A well-known restaurant in central Middlesbrough has been issued with a zero food hygiene rating after an inspection in May, although the venue's operators say they have since completed remedial work and reopened.
Inspection finds serious shortcomings
Bazaar, trading from Captain Cook Square and marketed online as a high-end venue, was listed on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website as receiving a rating of 0 after an environmental health visit on 5 May. The FSA summary assigned the lowest assessment for overall hygiene, with particular concerns recorded about the handling of food, the management of food safety and the cleanliness and condition of facilities.
The restaurant, registered as Bazaar Foodhall Limited, launched two years ago and has been promoted locally as a destination offering items such as an indoor Italian copper pizza oven and varied menus including brunches and Sunday lunches.
Operators say they acted quickly and cooperated with officers
In a statement following publication of the rating, the establishment described the outcome as disappointing but said it took immediate steps to address the issues. Management said they voluntarily closed after the inspection to implement a programme of improvements.
“Following that visit, we took the immediate and voluntary decision to close our premises to address all identified issues thoroughly and without compromise,” the spokesperson said.
The business added that it had worked closely with environmental health officers, invested in staff training and made changes to premises and procedures. They said officers subsequently re-inspected the site and had "officially verified that all required improvements have been made to their complete satisfaction" and that the restaurant is currently open.
What the rating means for customers
A zero rating from the FSA indicates that urgent improvement is required. It does not automatically trigger enforcement action such as prohibition, but it is intended to inform consumers and prompt operators to remedy identified faults. Customers and local residents should be aware of the rating when choosing where to eat, while those seeking reassurance can contact the local authority's environmental health team for up-to-date information on any re-inspections or formal notices.
- Establishment: Bazaar (Bazaar Foodhall Limited)
- Location: Captain Cook Square, Middlesbrough
- Inspection date: 5 May
- Initial FSA rating: 0 (urgent improvement required)
- Operator response: Voluntary closure, remedial works, staff training, re-inspection claimed
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| FSA rating | 0 |
| Inspection date | 5 May |
| Reported outcome | Operators say official re-inspection verified improvements |
Local residents may recall the venue's ambitious launch, which included claims of distinctive features and aspirations for culinary recognition. The incident underlines the role of routine regulatory checks in safeguarding public health and the need for transparency from hospitality operators when standards fall short.
Anyone seeking further details about the establishment’s current status or the contents of the inspection report can consult the FSA rating page or contact Middlesbrough Council’s environmental health department.
