Maidstone Nando’s Closure Linked to Pest Control, Council Report Confirms

A council hygiene report has disclosed that a Nando’s restaurant, which had stated its closure was for “some DIY,” was in fact undertaking pest-proofing measures to address a “mice activity” issue. This Maidstone establishment temporarily ceased operations in July for these works, and a prior report indicated it had received a two-star food hygiene rating only two months earlier. Maidstone Borough Council officers mandated corrective actions for the well-known chicken restaurant after discovering rodent droppings, food debris, and broken crockery on the premises’ floor. The report additionally noted that customers had “actively seen” mice. Nando’s has stated that maintaining the hygiene of its restaurants is its “top priority” and that it is striving to restore its five-star rating. Apart from these issues, the branch had previously received a “good” rating for the hygienic handling of food, encompassing preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling, and storage. Food safety management was also deemed “generally satisfactory.” The hygiene report for the Earl Street restaurant was released by Maidstone council subsequent to a Freedom of Information request submitted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The hygiene report explicitly stated: “Although various pest control measures had already been implemented and your pest contractor is carrying out treatment for rodents, mice are still being actively seen by staff and customers in the dining area on the first floor of the premises during service.” The report further observed the use of wire wool to seal potential rodent entry points, including within the kitchen area, a practice inspectors indicated could have resulted in food contamination. Inspectors also commented that they did not deem the existing measures sufficient “in terms of treatment and preventing access.” Nando’s informed inspectors that it had implemented an “enhanced pest control protocol,” involving additional cleaning of all equipment, surfaces, and public seating areas. Notwithstanding the identified concerns, the restaurant demonstrated stronger performance in food safety management, with systems and checks reportedly in place to guarantee the safety of food sold or served on the premises. Nando’s stated: “We’re always looking at ways to improve our buildings, and regularly undertake refurbishment works, like we did in Maidstone earlier this year.”