Historic seafood restaurant seen on Antiques Roadshow and Lovejoy forced to shut down after ‘terrible' rat infestation
The infestation in the grade II listed building in Maldon, Essex, was discovered by district council hygiene officers.
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Maldon District Council took court action against Fish on the Quay which is located on Church Street.
Some parts of the historic building, which is used today as a restaurant, pub and a bed and breakfast, date back to the 15th century.
Hygiene officers visited the business after receiving a complaint and discovered a "horrendous" rat infestation.
Rodents at the restaurant were reportedly discovered licking tubs of honey and leaving droppings in the kitchen.
The infestation was said to be in the venue's kitchen, bar and cellar spaces and posed an 'imminent risk to the public."
After visiting on June 13 inspectors photographed rat droppings within the condiments, on top of a fridge in a kitchen storage area, in packaging, and behind a freezer in a storage shed.
The business has been closed until inspectors are satisfied that the issue has been addressed, pest control are reportedly on site on a daily basis.
Staff at Fish on the Quay, which is owned and operated by The Jolly Sailor Ltd, are working with the council to fix the problem.
A manager has vowed to reopen the venue in Hythe Quay, telling the BBC "everything is great."
Council leader Richard Siddall said however that "incredibly serious offences" had been identified a the venue.
Shocking moment pack of huge RATS swarm popular McDonald's
The council took the restaurant to court to apply for a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order which was granted.
The order means that the business cannot reopen until health risks are removed.
Council officers are reportedly working with staff to ensure the safety of visitors and neighbours following the discovery of the rodent infestation.
According to Sidall an "imminent risk to public health" had been identified.
The rat infestation on the premises was identified as ongoing and extensive.
Fish on the Quay has won several awards including a Diners' Choice award from OpenTable in 2022.
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It also appeared on TV several times most notably when an episode of Lovejoy was filmed there in January 1992.
It has also appeared on Lawless heart in 2001 and The Antiques Road show in 2007.
The historic building was once a Customs house keeping an eye on boats going back and fourth up the River Blackwater.
Currently there is a sign outside the historic building reading: "We are closed! Sorry for the inconvenience."
Cllr Richard Siddall, Leader of Maldon District Council, said; 'Our officers took swift action against this business as soon as it became clear there was an imminent risk to public health.
'It is absolutely vital that food businesses are kept clean and in good repair in line with stringent food safety legislation.
"A failure to do so could potentially result in terrible consequences for the public and we will always take action against any owners not abiding by these laws.
'Whilst these are incredibly serious offences, we will work with the operator to improve the standards of cleanliness and make sure that they comply food safety standards before they reopen.'
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