The former operator of a Notting Hill celebrity restaurant has been fined more than £30,000 after a series of inspections uncovered infestations of cockroaches, mice, and rats.
Beach Blanket Babylon, once frequented by royals and stars like Rita Ora and Selena Gomez, fell into such disrepair that food was found contaminated with mouse droppings and filth was widespread throughout the premises.
It was forced to close in April this year, after its operator, Conor George Thomson-Moore, pleaded guilty to four charges at City of London Magistrates’ Court on April 3.
The charges related to poor food hygiene, contamination of food with mouse droppings, poor cleaning, inadequate pest control procedures and failure to comply with a Hygiene Improvement Notice.
Mr Thomson-Moore, who appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday June 16 was ordered to pay a total of £31,000 for serious breaches of food and hygiene legislation. He was also banned from operating a food business for ten years.
District Judge Clarke said: “This was probably one of the most egregious cases I have seen.”
Food safety officers from Kensington and Chelsea Council brought the prosecution after discovering infestations of cockroaches, mice and rats during inspections at the restaurant between September 2022 and March 2023.
In September 2022, they made revelations including droppings around the premises, food contaminated with mice faeces and packets of till white seeds, cocoa powder and flaked almonds gnawed by mice.
A further inspection in February 2023 found there was no hot water and further issues with pest control. Officers served Hygiene Improvement Notices, but the food business operators failed to comply with one of the notices for lack of hot water to a wash hand basin.
Kensington and Chelsea Council officers brought the case against food business operators Conor George Thomson-Moore and Robert Newmark following inspections.
The charges against Robert Newmark were withdrawn at a previous hearing in April this year.
Councillor Johnny Thalassites, lead member for environment and planning said: “Kensington and Chelsea is home to a vibrant and growing food scene, visited and enjoyed by many.
“We support our local businesses, but we also take food safety seriously. Our officers work with businesses to ensure high standards are maintained that our residents and visitors expect and deserve.
“This prosecution shows our commitment to being a safe and fair borough and we won’t hesitate to act against those businesses who don’t play by the rules.”
