An award-winning Powys restaurant has carried out a deep clean after given a food hygiene rating of zero because inspectors found evidence of rats at the venue.
The Hills in Brecon, which is famous for its burger creations, was given the ratings by the Food Standards Agency after “evidence of pest activity was found at the premises”.
The restaurant has previously claimed that the issue has since been resolved and is waiting reinspection.
Inspectors said they saw signs that included “faeces, gnawing, urine odour, external rat runs, access points.”
In their inspection of the premises inspectors found issues in several parts of the building. In their report they noted that “during the inspection rat droppings were found underneath the food servery area from the kitchen to the restaurant and in the cellar beneath the premises.”
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The Hills has been successful since its opening six years ago, gaining plaudits for its burger creations including its award-winning vegan burger and a gold plated burger in the style of Salt Bae which involved four beef steak patties in Au Red Cherry Vodka Glaze with four bacon rashers all smothered in cheese.
On the day of the inspection the restaurant said in a post on social media that the restaurant had to be closed due to “an issue with the gas system in the restaurant”.
However, in the report it reveals that the restaurant “agreed to voluntarily close the premises until works were undertaken to remove the imminent risk. Works were carried out to include proofing, treatment and deep cleaning.”
Inspectors added “Food businesses must take all reasonable precautions to prevent food pests, namely rats, mice, cockroaches, and flying insects gaining entry into food storage and preparation areas. This is to prevent the contamination of foodstuffs.
“If your food safety management system was in place and is used correctly – it should identify the issues and ensure that remedial action is taken by yourselves.”
The County Times have reached out for a comment from the Hills.
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