26-06-2025
I tried the Watford takeaway with a 0/5 food hygiene rating - how bad could it be?
Food Darbar in Whippendell Road is officially Watford's "worst" takeaway, possessing the dubious honour of being the town's only eatery with a 0/5 food hygiene rating. The visited this week to give its verdict.
Having visited a few 1/5 rated establishments in my role as the Watford Observer's unofficial "questionable food correspondent", this visit was uncharted territory - the dreaded "nul points" from food hygiene inspectors.
"Major improvement" was deemed to be necessary in the management of food safety, and cleanliness and condition of facilities - although the council recently allowed it to reopen after being satisfied that the risks had been addressed.
So, how bad could it really be?
(Image: Liam Fitzpatrick/Newsquest)
Tucked away in a quiet part of Whippendell Road and nestled between other shops, Food Darbar only initially stands out because of its bright yellow signage.
The Indian and Afghan eatery opened earlier this year, taking over the unit once occupied by BVRGR CO.
(Image: Liam Fitzpatrick/Newsquest) Inside, it is small and a little cramped, although there's nothing that immediately screams "0/5 for cleanliness" - while not spotless, it is hardly the dirtiest place you will ever set eyes on.
Food Darbar's menu appears to have something for everyone, offering dishes including burgers, kebabs and pizza.
I went for a chicken doner kebab on this lunch visit, priced at a reasonable £5.
(Image: Liam Fitzpatrick/Newsquest) The food itself was nothing to write home about - I have had both better and worse - but at time of writing I am yet to drop dead or suffer food poisoning, so will count that as a win!
Joking aside, this was a reasonably priced lunch that did the trick on a busy day.
In the wake of being hit with a 0/5 rating, Food Darbar's management did not respond to multiple requests for comment, although Watford Borough Council has said improvements have been made.
Liam Fitzpatrick (Image: Liam Fitzpatrick/Newsquest)
If you did not know the business had this rating, it would not be immediately obvious upon stepping inside - perhaps testament to the work done since April's inspection.
On the whole, this was a solid, if unspectacular, meal - albeit one eaten with food hygiene fears in mind.
Hopefully a reinspection will see the albatross removed from the neck of this business once and for all.
