Restaurant infested by mice since 2018 given lowest food hygiene rating

By Kiro Evans, Local Democracy Reporter

A restaurant was hit with a zero rating after inspectors were alerted to complaints of blue plastic pieces in the food.

Spice Island in Plumstead, an Indian restaurant, received the lowest food hygiene rating possible in September last year.

Now a Freedom of Information request has revealed some of the reasons why.

The inspector’s report said the Greenwich diner had had an “active mouse infestation” since 2018.

And inspectors were alerted to the restaurant after receiving a complaint of pieces of blue plastic discovered in the food.

The report also said “poor personal hygiene [was] seen” and that a food safety management system was not in place.

It left the restaurant with a zero rating on the Food Standards Agency site, joining seven other diners, bakeries and supermarkets.

Spice Island serves a number of Indian delicacies such as curries, rice dishes and tandoori chicken.

Despite complaints from inspectors, the restaurant averages 4.1 stars out of 5 on Google reviews.

One person wrote: “Delicious food, generous portions, good price, friendly service. We’ve been using this takeaway for years. A great local business.

Another said: “This place is an elegant place to dine. The food served is of the highest quality (better than home for sure!).

“Well worth the visit and the staff go above and beyond to make sure you feel at home! Thanks guys.”

Another five-star review reads: “From someone who had never tried Indian food after being brought here by my fiancee. Really good tasty food. Definitely worth taking a trip here.”

But there were some negative responses to the eatery.

A one-star reviewer wrote: “Just had the worst biryani of my life. The rice was horrible overcooked and greasy.

“The vegetable curry was just as bad. Really don’t know how else to say but stay clear.”

Spice Island has been contacted for comment.