Owner says West Bridgford Indian restaurant's one-star hygiene rating was 'unlucky'

Korma Sutra in Melton Road, West Bridgford
-Credit: (Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)


The owner of an Indian restaurant in Nottinghamshire says he fears for its future after it was given an "unlucky" one-star hygiene rating. Korma Sutra, in West Bridgford, was given the second-lowest rating possible following an inspection by Rushcliffe Borough Council's environmental health team.

The report, published after an inspection in July, criticised the restaurant for its level of cleanliness, pointing out the storage of out-of-date milk and risks of contamination. Its owner, Vijay Marwaha, said the findings were taken "very seriously" and claimed the business would receive a five-star rating should it be inspected tomorrow.

He said he was worried about the impact of the rating on the restaurant which opened four years ago. “My restaurant may close down. People will be put off by it but they will look at reviews and should think differently," he said.

The inspection, carried out on July 4, found milk and ricotta cheese in a fridge that was a week past its use-by date, while the officer also saw mouldy cakes on the premises. Contamination risks were also found on the day.

This included signs that dirty wastewater was being tipped down the sink used for washing food equipment and a metal container being in direct contact with chopped onions. The inspector described the premises as "very dirty throughout, with food debris, grease, grime and dust in multiple areas".

The areas listed included floor/wall junctions, below equipment, doors, equipment sinks and the kitchen bin. Mr Marwaha said many of the issues arose due to a lack of a full-time porter, which he says has since been addressed.

He said the milk found was used to make tea and coffee for staff and the ricotta was being stored by a staff member for personal use. He added the cakes found had been brought in for staff and were not being kept in the kitchen.

“We were unlucky. The food was fine it was just the cleanliness of the place," Mr Marwaha said. "I have been a chef since 2017, I know what cleanliness means and we’re very careful about food.

"The restaurant is doing well, if you look at our reviews they’re good. This is something we take very seriously, everything is under control."