Derby Cafe Reopens After Mouse Infestation, Confirms Compliance with Health Standards

Strategic Insights -

A well-known Derby cafe, Bear in Iron Gate, has assured customers that there are "no signs" of mouse activity after a deep clean and a temporary closure following a food hygiene report. The cafe, a popular spot in the city center, had its five-star hygiene rating reduced to zero after inspectors found evidence of a "mouse infestation" in July. The business voluntarily closed temporarily, conducted a deep clean, and implemented new measures to prevent future issues. Environmental health officers have since approved the store to reopen, and a recent visit confirmed that the problem has been fully resolved.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bear in Iron Gate was visited by Derby City Council's environmental health officers in July after a complaint over mouse sighting in the customer seating area.
  • Inspectors found evidence of mouse activity "throughout all areas" and a number of gaps and holes in walls were noted throughout the premises.
  • Mouse droppings were found in 15 locations in the kitchen, including on surfaces such as the serving counter and top of the sink in the pot washing area.
  • The report "strongly recommended" a series of changes, including implementing a robust cleaning schedule and monitoring gaps and holes.
  • Management completed a deep clean, sealed all gaps and entry points, and brought in a new specialist environmental health and pest management partner.
  • The business voluntarily closed temporarily, reopened the next day, and was approved by environmental health officers to continue operating.
  • The issue was fully resolved after a month, and a recent visit by the pest control partner confirmed there is "absolutely no sign or trace" of the problem.
  • Both Bear's other sites in the Midlands, Derbion and Ashbourne, continue to carry a five-star "very good" food hygiene rating.

Statistics:

  • The cafe was temporarily closed to conduct a deep clean and implement new preventive measures.
  • 15 locations in the kitchen and 3 locations in the seating area had mouse droppings.
  • Inspectors noted 10 gaps and holes in walls throughout the premises.
  • The new specialist environmental health and pest management partner has increased inspections and strengthened long-term prevention measures.

Sources:

  • Derby City Council's environmental health officers (no specific date)
  • Bear in Iron Gate co-founder Michael Thorley (no specific date)