Middlesbrough restaurant bounces back from zero rating

Bazaar Restaurant, in Captain Cook Square, was told it must improve back in May. Following a July re-inspection, its rating improved from zero to four, on a scale of zero to five.

An inspection report outlines the problem of “pest activity (cockroaches)”, within the premises during a visit on Tuesday, May 5, earlier this year.

By contrast, a re-inspection, which occurred on Tuesday, July 28, found that “generally good” hygiene conditions were in place. A spokesperson for Bazaar said that they are “extremely proud of our kitchen and restaurant, and fully committed to serving Middlesbrough with excellence”.

Following the pest findings on Tuesday, May 5, documents detail that a voluntary closure agreement was signed by a Bazaar representative.

On Friday, May 8, council officers visited the establishment, after receiving a “clear” pest report.

During the visit “minor” evidence of cockroaches was found but approval to reopen was granted, with a condition that further monitoring would be undertaken – officers laid monitoring traps the same day.

On Tuesday, May 12, a revisit was conducted and there was “further evidence” of cockroaches, with conditions presenting “an imminent risk of injury to health”.

The premises was “immediately” closed and not allowed to reopen until approval was granted by an authorised Middlesbrough Council environmental health officer.

Further investigations were to be undertaken following conditions found on May 5 and May 12.

The first inspection report details that as well as cockroaches seen “walking across” equipment, other issues from these initial visits included dirty surfaces and an obstructed wash basin.

An improved picture was on show during a visit on Tuesday, July 28, when conditions were described as “generally good”, however this follow-up inspection report also described a “concerning” finding, with “poor stock control procedures in place.

There were numerous containers of prepared high risk foods with expired use-by dates,” papers explain.

Other imperfections included “a number of fruit flies” being present during the inspection, but there was a reduced number of dirty surfaces/equipment, compared to the previous report.

The rating of four awarded as part of this inspection translates as “good”.

A spokesperson for Bazaar Restaurant said: “Following our inspection in May, which noted minor pest activity driven by external environmental factors posed no risk to the public. We took immediate and decisive action.

"We voluntarily closed Bazaar Restaurant to carry out extensive facility upgrades and have successfully resolved the matter shortly after. Following a re-inspection, we were awarded 4-stars “good” food hygiene rating. We want to assure our loyal customers that we never compromise on our standards.”