July 7th 2025.
During an inspection of Beach Blanket Babylon in Notting Hill, inspectors were horrified by the unsanitary conditions they discovered. The restaurant, once a popular spot for celebrities and royalty, had become a den of food hygiene horrors. The former owner was recently convicted of multiple food hygiene offences and fined over £30,000.
New photographs have emerged, revealing the disgusting scenes that were found during the inspection. One particularly disturbing image shows a dead mouse at the restaurant, which had been frequented by the likes of Prince William and Kate, Prince Harry, Rita Ora, Selena Gomez, and Naomi Campbell. Other photos show cockroaches and evidence of mice and rats in the kitchen area.
Inspectors from the local council, Kensington and Chelsea, also found evidence of contaminated food and inadequate pest control measures. Packets of food, including seeds, cocoa powder, and almonds, had been gnawed on by mice. Despite its once-upmarket reputation, the restaurant had fallen into a state of disrepair and poor hygiene.
The former owner, Conor George Thomson-Moore, was ordered to pay a total of £31,000 for his breaches of food and hygiene legislation. This included a fine of £7,000, a victim surcharge of £2,000, and the council's legal costs of £22,000. Thomson-Moore, who is no longer the owner, was also banned from operating a food business for 10 years.
The prosecution was brought after inspectors first discovered the breaches during a visit in September 2022. They found droppings around the premises and food contaminated with mouse faeces. A follow-up visit in February 2023 revealed further issues, including a lack of hot water and ongoing problems with pest control.
The restaurant, which had marketed itself as a stylish townhouse with a ballroom serving British food and cocktails, had been a popular hangout for celebrities. However, its reputation had taken a nosedive due to the unsanitary conditions found by inspectors. One nearby cafe worker even admitted to avoiding the restaurant due to rumors of rats and bugs in the back of house.
Councillor Johnny Thalassites, the lead member for environment and planning, emphasized the importance of maintaining high food safety standards in the borough. He stated that the council supports local businesses but will not hesitate to take action against those who do not comply with regulations. The council's commitment to being a safe and fair borough is evident in their prosecution of Beach Blanket Babylon.
Metro attempted to reach out to Mr. Thomson-Moore for comment but was unable to do so. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of neglecting food hygiene regulations. We must all do our part to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. If you have a story to share, please contact josh@email.
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