Rat droppings found in Marco Pierre White’s Leicester Square restaurant

Rat faeces were found in the kitchen of Marco Pierre White’s Leicester Square restaurant.

Inspectors found rodent droppings on “a table in the ‘afternoon tea’ kitchen”, on dishcloths that “may be used to wipe down equipment” and in a box that had been in contact with the ice cream bowls.

Mr White was ordered to close temporarily due to an “imminent risk to public health” after the visit in July, sparked by a complaint from a member of the public.

The ‘luxury’ steakhouse is understood to be working to improve its ‘zero’ food hygiene rating and has been given a program of works to fix the issues raised.

The franchise is part of Marco Pierre White’s culinary empire and opened in late 2021. White was the first British chef to receive three Michelin stars.

It lends its name to the venue through its franchise arm Black and White Hospitality, of which it is an “active shareholder”.

A food hygiene report, obtained by the Standard under freedom of information laws, also raised concerns about how food was thawed on the day of the visit, a lack of hot water at hand-washing taps and a “inadequate” level of cleaning. in the kitchen.

He ordered the company to fix a problem with water seeping into the electrical outlets in the basement and the blocked fire door.

Inspectors said: “From the records and evidence of the pest control site visit at the time of my inspection, I note that rat and mouse activity was identified at your premises, this was in the form of droppings in the kitchens and basement.

“Appropriate treatment methods must be used to eliminate these pests.”

The restaurant did not respond to requests for comment prior to publication. White’s agency said it was a matter for Black and White Hospitality.

His website states: “Marco is the self-described songwriter behind this exciting and growing business.

“Marco’s DNA runs through the entire Black and White Hospitality operation. All new and evolving menus, dishes and brands pass through Marco’s hands.”

Four other Marco Pierre White locations operate in the capital, including Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill in King’s Cross and Mr White’s English Chophouse in Whitechapel.

White made his name on the London food scene by starting out as chef at Le Gavroche in Mayfair and then opening Harvey’s in Wandsworth Common, where he coached Gordon Ramsay.

He retired from cooking in 1999 before co-founding the franchise company that bears his name with hotelier Nick Taplin.