Two OWO restaurants respond to low food hygiene ratings

Two high-profile London restaurants within the Old War Office development have been awarded one out of five for food hygiene practises after inspectors found “major improvement” was necessary.

Both Café Lapérouse and Paper Moon, which operate independently next door to the new Raffles London hotel within the Old War Office (OWO), said all required improvements had been implemented following the inspections.

The two restaurants were thrown into the spotlight over the weekend following a review of Café Lapérouse in the Observer. The newspaper's food critic, Jay Rayner, posted an image on his Instagram account of the high-end Parisian restaurant's food hygiene rating of one, the second-lowest score which means "major improvement" is necessary, after a reader brought it to his attention.

According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the low rating was predominantly due to the restaurant’s management of food safety. Standards around hygienic food handling and the cleanliness and condition of facilities and the building scored slightly higher, but were still flagged with “improvement necessary”.

Neighbouring OWO restaurant Paper Moon was also scored a one by the FSA, with the inspection concluding there was “major improvement necessary” around hygienic food handling. Meanwhile, the cleanliness and condition of facilities and building scored an “improvement necessary”, while management of food safety scored a higher grade of “generally satisfactory”.

A statement from Café Lapérouse said: “Following the environmental health audit at Café Lapérouse by Westminster City Council, we take this opportunity to emphasise our commitment to the health and safety of our patrons. Shortly after opening, it became clear that the initial advice received on food safety was insufficient. As a result, we have now engaged new consultants to ensure full compliance with UK Food and Health and Safety laws and standards.

“Since Westminster City Council's initial visit, we have implemented all the necessary improvements. Regular internal and third-party food safety audits are being conducted to maintain these improvements. A thorough review of our food safety documentation has also been completed.”

Meanwhile, a statement from Paper Moon said: “Paper Moon London stresses its commitment to food and hygiene safety regulations and procedures. Following the Environmental Health officer (EFO) inspection, Paper Moon London has worked to rectify those issues with immediate effect, alongside external consultancies to ensure any outstanding issues are addressed in an appropriate, time-conscious, and thorough manner.

“Since the initial EHO inspection which identified issues, the team at Paper Moon has been in regular communication with EHO to update them on the necessary changes and demonstrate full implementation on all the recommended health and safety procedures.”

Both restaurants said they are in regular communication with the council and are expecting a second inspection before Christmas.

The OWO opened in September 2023 and houses four independent restaurants including Café Lapérouse and Paper Moon.

The Raffles London hotel within the historic OWO building itself operates a further five restaurants, including three by chef Mauro Colagreco, as well as the Drawing Room and Pillar Kitchen.

The Caterer has been informed by Raffles that its own five restaurants have recently been inspected by the FSA, and given an overall rating of four out of five, but this yet to be published on the FSA’s website.