Two London restaurants fined over £37,000 for mouse infestations

Two restaurants in London’s Westminster have been fined more than £37,000 after active mice infestations were found in their kitchens.

Chester’s on Porchester Road was found guilty of two offences and ordered to pay fines, costs and surcharges totalling £15,656.50 after environmental health officers from the council found mice droppings in several areas of the kitchen, including on a windowsill next to a preparation area, during a routine inspection.

The team also found droppings on shelves, under the fridge and where drinks were made, resulting in Chester’s being served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice (HEPN). The imminent health risk meant that the premises was closed immediately.

Meanwhile, Ma Eum on Horseferry Road was also found guilty of three food and safety offences earlier this month and was subsequently handed fines totalling £21,626.02.

The Korean restaurant was given a HEPN and forced to close the restaurant after officers found a widespread pest infestation in the form of mice droppings in various locations throughout the business during a routine inspection in March 2025.

Cllr Caroline Sargent, deputy leader and cabinet member for enforcement, said: “Westminster has some of the best bars, restaurants and venues in London so residents and visitors should be able to trust that the food they are served is safe and prepared to the highest standards.

“The details of these cases fall well below our standards so when businesses fail to meet those standards, we will take decisive action. These prosecutions reflect the hard work of our officers and our commitment to taking food hygiene seriously.”