A hygiene emergency prohibition order has been served on the operator of Dukes bar & bistro in Margate’s Old Town after an inspection on February 19 found a rodent infestation.
Following the inspection Thanet council applied to the court for the order which prohibits use of the Market Place premises until Thanet council deems “there no longer exists an imminent risk of injury to health at the premises.”
The order for operator Cambray Estates Ltd was granted by Margate Magistrates Court.
A notice in the restaurant window says: “The court is satisfied that at the time of inspection on 19th February there was an infestation of rodents within the food business which created a serious risk of contamination of food and the existence of a health risk condition.”
The notice was signed by a Justice of the Peace today (February 21).
A Thanet council spokesperson said: “The council takes food safety and public health protection very seriously. We use formal enforcement action where necessary, when standards fall short of legal requirements.
“A food hygiene inspection was carried out at Dukes, in Duke Street, Margate, following a complaint from a member of the public.
“An application for a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order was heard at Margate Magistrates Court, today (Friday 21 February 2025), to close the premises to protect public health.
“The court granted the Order which has been served on Cambray Estates Limited, trading as Dukes. Full costs have been awarded to the council.
“We are unable to provide further information while the investigation is underway.”
I think I’ll stick to Birchington Wimpy!
i cant wait for a wimpy , it will be like a trip down memory lane
saying that i wonder if dukes does a rat ta tooey ?
There was a wimpeys in Birchington years ago ,I am sure
I’ve researched that via Birchington Heritage Society (or whatever they’re called), and can find no record of one. I do believe that the current “cafe on the square” was some kind of old-fashioned burger and milkshake bar though.
There was an old style burger and milkshake bar in the square, I’m not sure if it is the same premises, but you’re right there was one
No Wimpy that I recall but as teens we had this in The Square
https://www.birchingtonheritage.org.uk/images/sqpostwar/1964coffee.htm
Yes, that is one of several changes at the same premises over the years.
I didn’t know the Labour councillors eat in there.
Just call in UB40-they fix dem rats in me kitchen.
Failing that, Bob Geldof!
Well….let’s face it most old buildings have mice you can’t stop them they’ll get in anywhere if you have floorboards
What is the reason why the HMO residential premises at 4 Arthur Road, Cliftonville was suddenly closed on Thursday morning and has a constant security presence there by K9? Everyone had to pack their suitcases and move out immediately. There remains several official notices on the front that are too small to read from the pavement.
Official notices have been removed but the whole house has been sealed up with metal shutters and door. It’s like it has been closed down by court order.
Nothing in the news here!! Was it one of the illegal HMO’s as seen on the news, or antisocial behaviour?