An inspection earlier this year found extensive food hygiene and safety problems at the Royal Court Hotel on Tamworth Road in Coventry, including mould in storage areas and multiple dirty surfaces, leading to a one-star food hygiene rating.
What inspectors found
Coventry City Council inspectors visited the premises in May and reported a number of breaches of food-safety requirements. Among the issues recorded were:
- Food safety records not completed on some days
- Staff lacking adequate food hygiene training
- Potential cross-contamination from a chopping board placed next to eggshells and unbroken eggs
- Build-up of dirt on taps, door handles, chopping boards, shelving, walls and floors
- Cobwebs in and around food storage areas
- Dirty water and food debris around cooking equipment and ovens
- Mould found on trolleys and grease and food debris near cooking appliances
- An unlabelled spray bottle whose contents staff could not identify
Inspectors also reported ingrained dirt where walls meet floors and found broken plates, glass and other utensils under shelving, creating additional contamination risks.
Council follow-up and subsequent findings
Coventry City Council revisited the hotel in July. The council recorded a notable change in conditions, finding that most of the structural defects had been addressed, that food-safety documentation was being completed, and that measures to control cross-contamination had been introduced.
"marked improvement"
The revisit outcome indicates corrective action was taken after the May inspection. The operator of the site is managed by Britannia Hotels, according to the council record.
What this means for guests and the public
Food safety ratings and inspection reports are designed to inform consumers about hygiene standards in places that prepare and serve food. A one-star rating denotes that improvement is necessary and that systems may not be in place to ensure consistent safe food handling.
Practical steps for residents and visitors include:
- Checking the latest food hygiene rating before booking or visiting
- Reporting visible hygiene concerns to the council’s environmental health team
- Asking staff about food handling procedures if you have specific dietary or allergy concerns
| Inspection | Month | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Initial | May | One-star rating; extensive hygiene failings |
| Revisit | July | Council reported marked improvement |
The council’s action in revisiting the premises demonstrates regulatory follow-through. Local residents concerned about food-safety standards can view current ratings and inspection reports via Coventry City Council’s published records or contact the environmental health department for advice.
Further developments, including any changes to the establishment’s official rating, will be recorded in the council’s public register.
