Longstanding seafood eatery, famously showcased on Antiques Roadshow and Lovejoy, closes doors following appalling rat infestation.
Uncovered: Rat Infestation Shuts Down Historic Seafood Restaurant in Maldon, Essex
A local favorite eatery has met its match—a rampant rat infestation—forcing its temporary closure due to a court order. Fish on the Quay, a restaurant, pub, and bed & breakfast located on Church Street, Maldon, Essex, has found its doors locked tight after health authorities discovered a horrifying rodent infestation.
Maldon District Council's hygiene officers made the grim discovery following a complaint and found evidence of rats lurking in unsavory corners—licking tubs of honey and leaving droppings in the kitchen[1]. The infestation was discovered in the kitchen, bar, and cellar spaces, posing an immediate threat to the public.
Upon their June 13 inspection, officers spotted rat droppings lurking within condiments, atop a fridge in a kitchen storage area, in packaging, and behind a freezer in a storage shed.
The restaurant, dating back to the 15th century, has been closed until inspectors are convinced that adequate measures have been taken to banish the vermin. According to reports, pest control teams are hard at work on site daily.
Fish on the Quay's management team is cooperating with the council to eradicate the infestation. In an interview with the BBC, a manager maintained that everything is under control and vowed to promptly reopen the establishment in Hythe Quay.
However, Council Leader, Richard Siddall, believes otherwise, stating that some incredibly serious offences have been unearthed at the premises[1]. The Council took the restaurant to court to enforce a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, effectively barring it from reopening until health risks are eradicated.
According to Siddall, an immediate risk to public health has been identified due to the ongoing and extensive rat infestation at Fish on the Quay. The restaurant has garnered numerous accolades, including a Diners' Choice award from OpenTable in 2022 and appearances on shows like Lovejoy, Lawless Heart, and The Antiques Roadshow[1].
Meanwhile, pest control experts offer a homemade solution to keep rats at bay. To fight the infestation, they recommend maintaining a tidy space, keeping bins clean and scrupulously sealing rubbish. Natural repellents, like peppermint oil, are also suggested to serve as an effective deterrent to rodents, as they're safe for people, pets, and the environment.
[1] Enrichment Data: The UK's Food Safety Act 1990 and associated regulations require food businesses to maintain high standards of hygiene, pest control, and cleanliness to ensure food safety. Regulations cover a range of aspects, including pest control, maintaining premises, equipment, and food handling. Local environmental health officers, such as those from Maldon District Council, are responsible for enforcing these standards on food premises and taking immediate action when hazards like rat infestations are identified. In extreme cases, the Council can impose closure orders like a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order to protect public health.
- To help prevent future infestations, pest control experts advise maintaining a tidy space, keeping bins clean, and scrupulously sealing rubbish.
- In addition to these measures, natural repellents like peppermint oil can be used as an effective deterrent to discourage rodents, as they are safe for people, pets, and the environment.
- Alongside science-based solutions, adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as regular fitness-and-exercise, skin-care, and nutrition practices, can boost one's immunity and overall well-being.
- When preparing meals at home, consider experimenting with new recipes from the realms of food-and-drink and cooking to nourish your body and your soul.
