Mice and cockroach infestations force pub to close

26-Nov-2019 - Last updated on 26-Nov-2019 at 15:13 GMT

Mice misery: infestation leads to closure of historic pub

A “serious mice and cockroach infestation” has resulted in the sudden closure of a historic pub in London.

The Warrington in Maida Vale, run by Golden Bricks Pubs, was visited by the environmental health officer (EHO) after concerns were raised of an increased pest activity.

The pub and five-bedroom hotel was then forced to close after a hygiene emergency prohibition notice was issued by the City of Westminster Council.

The notice also stated there was lack of hot water at the premises that was once used in an episode of 1970s TV police drama The Sweeney.

Golden Brick Pubs operations manager Jamie Henderson said: “We have taken this extremely seriously.

“We have, on numerous occasions already, requested a revisit by Westminster Council in respect of their initial visit last week and hope to be open again and trading very soon.”

Increased visits

Henderson said the number of visits by its pest control company had increased to every fortnight after there had been signs of pest activity.

However, the pub was then shut down, which led to the team placing an A-board outside the Warrington stating, “Closed today: due to circumstances outside beyond our control”.

Henderson continued: “The EHO visit unfolded very quickly and the first A-board was initially put out by the team at the Warrington as some sort of an explanation to our customers as to why the venue had to close.

“As soon as we knew more details, we updated the board with a further statement that more accurately reflected the situation as it unfolded.”

Henderson said the public’s trust is vital to the team at the Warrington – a Grade II-listed building, dating back to 1857.

Honest and transparent

He added: “As an iconic community pub, we are immensely proud of our people and the standards of service we offer.

“We are lucky to have a loyal and regular customer base, and we will work hard to retain the trust of our neighbours and friends.

“We will be honest and transparent, and we hope people will appreciate that.”

The pub has since acted to get the hot water running once again.

Henderson continued: “We are now just waiting for a revisit, which we had hoped would have happened over the weekend because we have been advised by our health and safety partners that there is no risk to customers.

“A thorough plan is in place with our health and safety partners to ensure the pub is ready to trade again.”