'Heavy' rat infestation sees restaurant closed on the spot

A "heavy infestation of rats" that could have had "life-threatening ramifications for unwitting customers" has seen the immediate closure of a south Wimbledon restaurant.

Environmental health officers found kitchen equipment was being stored on a floor strewn with rat droppings at Brazucas Point Café in Merton High Street.

There were no facilities for staff to wash their hands at the venue and it had not been registered as a food business with the council.

Officers visited the site on 18 May after receiving a complaint from a neighbour about the build-up of rubbish in the rear yard of the premises, which sold foods prepared onsite, including salads, meat and rice dishes.

Upon arrival at the premises, an officer found the kitchen in operation and evidence of extensive rat activity in the food preparation areas. On closer inspection, it became clear there was a rat infestation at the premises as droppings were found throughout the food preparation area.

The premise was served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice and forced to immediately cease trading as a food business.

Councillor Eleanor Stringer, cabinet member for civic pride, said: "This is a great result for our regulatory services team and for Merton residents. The sort of disease which can be transmitted by vermin, such as rats, in a kitchen have serious, life-threatening ramifications for unwitting customers.

"I commend the swift action of the food and safety team in helping keep the borough safe and for enforcing regulations which clamp down on unscrupulous establishments that don't play by the rules.

"We look forward to working to ensure that future businesses based in these premises provide a high-quality service for diners."