Manchester United-themed cafe given 0-star rating after rat infestation

A Manchester United-themed chippy popular with fans heading to games received a 0-star food hygiene rating after a rat infestation.  

United Cafe, which bears the Reds’ colours, shut voluntarily after the pests were discovered in the area a few hundred yards from Old Trafford.  

A food hygiene inspector ordered the cafe to carry out a deep clean, make daily checks for signs of pests and undertake proofing work. 

Located on Sir Matt Busby Way, the frontage is emblazoned with the club’s logo and has an image of the Stretford End on its fascia.

Fans stopping by for fish and chips, alcoholic and soft drinks and full English breakfasts have left glowing reviews on Tripadvisor.

But a voluntary closure took place after the unwelcome visitors were found in the area, council paperwork shows.

An ‘intervention’ report by Trafford Council states that a full inspection was carried out on August 19 due to ‘rat activity in the area’ and involved the cafe’s hazard analysis and cleaning procedures being examined.  

The business and a next-door venue, Legends, which also operates a fast-food takeaway, both closed voluntarily at the time due to the infestation.

The work to remediate the pest infestation had to be carried out before the venues reopened, according to the report released by the council.

Under a list of key points, the inspector wrote: ‘Visit due to issues with rat activity in the area. Both premises closed voluntarily due to rat infestation.’

The 0-star rating, which was live on the Food Standards Agency’s website as of November 19, was awarded after the visit.

The listing states that ‘major improvement’ is required in hygienic food handling and the cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building.  

An ‘urgent improvement’ mark is shown against the management of food safety at United Cafe, located at 674 Chester Road in Stretford.

When Metro visited the street on Friday trash including discarded pallets and a sofa were found in an alleyway next to the businesses.  

Fans posting on Tripadvisor describe the venue, which is run by Cafe United Ltd, as perfect for visits to Old Trafford. 

One wrote: ‘Walked down the road from shopping at the United megastore.

‘Great chips and curry sauce, fresh chips even on a Monday lunchtime.’ 

The fast-food restaurant, which also operates a bar and off-licence from the same premises, has a 3.5 rating on the reviews platform.  

A spokesperson for the council said: ‘Trafford Council environmental health officers gave the United Cafe/Legends a zero food hygiene rating following a routine visit.

‘We are now working closely with the business to ensure it complies with the rating and carries out the necessary improvements.’

Metro has attempted to contact the United Cafe for comment.

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