Twenty five restaurants, take aways and newsagents in Merton were ordered to make urgent or major improvements to hygiene standards in the last six months. 

To see the full list click on the gallery above. The ratings were accurate at the time of publication but to see updated ratings visit ratings.food.gov.uk

A shocking eight eateries in the borough have been given a hygiene rating of zero since August 2015, meaning that they must make urgent improvement or face closure. 

Japanese restaurant Makiyaki, in Merton Road, South Wimbledon, was given a zero star rating just last month.

Owner Jisung Kang accepted the rating from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and even temporarily closed down his business but was adamant of getting a higher rating when re-inspected in three months.

He said: “They came here and said that behind the fryer was too greasy and we needed to clean other parts of the kitchen.

“We decided to close the restaurant for a week and a half to clean the whole kitchen and redecorate the hall, which customers have loved.

“The FSA are from the council so we accept it and have tried to improve conditions. They have since come back and said our work was perfect and were happy with it.

“I am sure we will get a high rating next time.”

Whilst Eddie Catz, Merton, enjoyed a five star rating for many years. The centre said this was suspended in November for a short time due to a technical issue which was quickly resolved. Upon re-inspection the council re-instated the centre’s stars.

Caribbean bar and restaurant The Kalablash Hut, in London Road, Mitcham, received a zero rating in December last year. 

 However, the manager of The Kalablash Hut, Christopher Joseph, claims he was unaware that his restaurant was in need of urgent improvement.

Mr Joseph said: “This is the first time I am hearing about it and as you can imagine I’m not very happy about it.

“I haven’t received a letter or a phone call, nothing. I am very surprised because my restaurant is a lot better than a zero star rating.

“How can it be in urgent need of improvement when I don’t even know what needs improving?”

One star ratings, meaning major improvements are necessary, were handed out a further 17 food-related businesses, including Martins Cafe in Martin Way, Morden.

Manager of Martins, Hakan Puru, said the rating had nothing to do with the food and trade hasn’t been affected in the slightest.

Mr Puru said: “I think it was a bit harsh to be given such a low rating. The main reason was because hygiene booklets that keep records of morning and evening checks weren’t filled in.”

“We were also told it was not clean enough so we’ve improved that. I have also had to change the extractor filter and moved machines to an outside shed.

“Business is as good as ever and I am confident of a much higher rating when we get re-rated in a couple of months.”

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