Celebrity Favorite Closes After Shocking Food Safety Violations

Notting Hill, England – Beach Blanket Babylon, a posh restaurant in West London known for attracting celebrities like Prince William and Princess Kate, has been shuttered following severe food hygiene violations discovered during inspections.

Local health inspectors found the establishment infested with mice, cockroaches, and rats, and food products contaminated with mouse droppings. The findings prompted Kensington and Chelsea Council to issue an Emergency Hygiene Prohibition Notice, effectively closing the restaurant until further notice.

The operators, Robert Kenneth Newmark and Conor George Thomson-Moore, faced legal consequences after failing to comply with a Hygiene Improvement Notice under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013. Thomson-Moore pleaded guilty to four food safety charges in City of London Magistrates’ Court last week. His sentencing is expected later this year, while the charges against Newmark were withdrawn.

The council’s investigations began in September 2022 and continued through early 2023. Officers uncovered a serious infestation, unsanitary conditions, and evidence of poor food storage practices, including packets of food that had been gnawed by rodents. This included flaked almonds, cocoa powder, and till white seeds.

Council member Cem Kemahli stated, ‘Neglecting food hygiene not only puts public health at risk but also undermines trust and credibility within the community.’ He further emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe and clean dining environment for residents and visitors to the borough.

During the inspections, authorities also discovered inadequate pest control measures and a lack of hot water, leading to additional Hygiene Improvement Notices. Despite these efforts, the restaurant failed to address the ongoing violations.

Kensington and Chelsea Council has made it clear that they will take decisive action against businesses that do not prioritize food safety. Kemahli added, ‘We will not hesitate to call out those who blatantly disregard health risks and break the law as we continue to work towards becoming a safer and fairer borough.’