Camden has more combined restaurants, pubs, and takeaways rated 0 for hygiene than any other London borough, according to Food Standards Agency (FSA) data.
The list includes well-known names such as LEON, The Blues Kitchen Camden, Buns from Home, and the viral takeaway The Lebanese Grill Express.
The score and incidental closure of the latter sparked online discussion over how much hygiene ratings actually influence where people choose to eat.
The spot on Leather Lane remained popular among locals despite being handed a 0 or “needs immediate attention” rating last February, the lowest score on the FSA’s scale out of 5.
For regulars like Ariana, 18, the shop’s poor score did little to change her opinion on dining in.
She said: “I think that the hygiene ratings are important, of course, but I really enjoyed the food, so I didn’t necessarily care that the ratings were low.
“However, I think that if it were another food place that I didn’t like as much, with a 0 score on hygiene safety rating, then I probably would care a lot more.
“I also think it doesn’t matter to people who have a similar mindset to me.
“I am pretty upset that it closed down because it was my favourite fast food place. I thought that it was better than the other branches too.”
The sentiment is shared online, as when the rating first circulated on TikTok, users acknowledged the score without being completely put off by it.
Popular content creator MC, who posts under the username @m.combe07 on TikTok, said: “If this is 0 stars, give me more of them 0 stars! This has never harmed me in all the years I eat at Leb Grill EC1!
“I don’t know what they did to warrant that hygiene rating, so still be cautious innit.”
What the rating means
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, run by the FSA, scores businesses on a scale of 0 to 5 to inform both operators and diners about hygiene standards and legal compliance.
Ratings are based on three factors: how food is handled and prepared, the physical condition of the premises, and the systems management has in place to maintain hygiene standards.
Environmental health officers assess their findings into a numerical score, where lower is better. A total score of 0–15 earns the top rating of 5, while anything above 50 results in a rating of 0, signalling a need for urgent improvement – and potential grounds for legal enforcement if issues aren’t addressed.
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request made to Camden Council for the food safety officer’s report on The Lebanese Grill Express shows the branch scored 60 overall.
The report cited many major issues, including cross-contamination risks from improperly stored raw meat, including ingredients stored on the floor.
It also flagged a string of compliance failures that had gone unaddressed since its last inspection: no soap or hand-drying facilities in staff bathrooms, missing temperature controls, and a build-up of waste on the premises.
What now?
While the hygiene concerns sparked controversy, the shop’s closure last month was driven by a police order citing anti-social behaviour in the area.
The revocation of the business’s license has been a years-long battle for the council and residents, who have consistently reported excessive noise and sustained public nuisance from patrons.
The store’s late-night refreshment license had previously been revoked in November, and again last month before reopening on 15 July following a court hearing.
On the police’s shutdown order in July, owner Zak Khan told Camden New Journal: “If we close our staff will be unemployed. Some have kids and families to support.”
“The business itself will be chased for rent rates if we close so we’re not making a penny and there will still be bills outstanding every day.
“It’s going to be a big disaster for everyone, and times are not great for a lot of businesses, and to do that to us just because we were successful is not fair.”
Less than 24 hours later, the shop was destroyed by fire, devastating customers who had been anticipating its return.
The FOI data also shows the Lebanese Grill Express’ food hygiene issues were not an isolated case, as at least five other Camden food businesses have agreed to voluntary closure over the past year due to active and widespread mice infestations.
All have since reopened after removing the health risk and meeting compliance requirements.
Camden Council has been reached out to for comment.
Featured image credit: Sabine Batalla (left) | Google Street View (right)
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