Chef says he is 'erring on the side of extreme caution' after two diners and three staff were found to have winter vomiting bug
Heston Blumenthal has temporarily closed his London restaurant Dinner after a suspected outbreak of the same winter vomiting virus that was linked to contamination at another of his restaurants five years ago.
The chef said he was erring on "the side of extreme caution" by shutting the establishment in the Mandarin Oriental hotel overlooking Hyde Park after a number of guests fell ill.
Dinner specialises in historic British dishes and has two Michelin stars. It has also been rated in the world's top ten restaurants. Food safety officers have told staff to wash their hands more often.
Blumenthal's Fat Duck restaurant, in Bray, Berkshire, was hit by an outbreak involving at least 240 people in 2009. It was later said to be the worst norovirus contamination at a restaurant.
The problem at Dinner first came to light a fortnight ago after a diner reported feeling unwell, according to the Mail on Sunday. The restaurant contacted Westminster council's environmental health team and nine further reports of illness were recorded, although test results came back negative. New samples returned on Friday found norovirus in three members of staff and two guests.
Blumenthal, who is renowned for his experimental cuisine, told the Mail on Sunday: "My goal has always been to pursue perfection in the kitchen and to amaze our guests with taste sensations beyond their imagination, rather than expose them to the risk of a really nasty couple of days of heaving."
He added: "I personally have the experience and knowledge about this winter bug and how to contain it immediately. But to completely and permanently rule out any further contamination takes a few days to be 100% sure. I know many schools and companies have been affected with higher volumes of people than us, but my concern is my guests and staff.
"I am very sorry for the inconvenience to those customers affected by the cancellations. However, I will reopen the restaurant safe in the knowledge that we have done everything we can do to continue to strive to create the perfect environment and food for my guests to enjoy.
"We are in a unique position of having an insight into the behaviour of this bug and I will always err on the side of extreme caution. As the Who sang, 'I won't get fooled again'."
James Armitage, Westminster council's food safety manager, said:"Test results this week have shown that there has been an outbreak of norovirus at the Dinner restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Knightsbridge. The operators have now temporarily closed the restaurant and we believe this is the responsible thing to do."
Officials had already carried out a thorough inspection of both the restaurant premises and working practices and "will continue to work closely with Public Health England and the restaurant operators until the restaurant is given the all-clear," said Armitage.
"We have already asked the restaurant to improve some of its hygiene procedures – including telling staff to wash their hands more often. All the changes were made immediately." Reported by guardian.co.uk 11 hours ago.
Heston Blumenthal has temporarily closed his London restaurant Dinner after a suspected outbreak of the same winter vomiting virus that was linked to contamination at another of his restaurants five years ago.
The chef said he was erring on "the side of extreme caution" by shutting the establishment in the Mandarin Oriental hotel overlooking Hyde Park after a number of guests fell ill.
Dinner specialises in historic British dishes and has two Michelin stars. It has also been rated in the world's top ten restaurants. Food safety officers have told staff to wash their hands more often.
Blumenthal's Fat Duck restaurant, in Bray, Berkshire, was hit by an outbreak involving at least 240 people in 2009. It was later said to be the worst norovirus contamination at a restaurant.
The problem at Dinner first came to light a fortnight ago after a diner reported feeling unwell, according to the Mail on Sunday. The restaurant contacted Westminster council's environmental health team and nine further reports of illness were recorded, although test results came back negative. New samples returned on Friday found norovirus in three members of staff and two guests.
Blumenthal, who is renowned for his experimental cuisine, told the Mail on Sunday: "My goal has always been to pursue perfection in the kitchen and to amaze our guests with taste sensations beyond their imagination, rather than expose them to the risk of a really nasty couple of days of heaving."
He added: "I personally have the experience and knowledge about this winter bug and how to contain it immediately. But to completely and permanently rule out any further contamination takes a few days to be 100% sure. I know many schools and companies have been affected with higher volumes of people than us, but my concern is my guests and staff.
"I am very sorry for the inconvenience to those customers affected by the cancellations. However, I will reopen the restaurant safe in the knowledge that we have done everything we can do to continue to strive to create the perfect environment and food for my guests to enjoy.
"We are in a unique position of having an insight into the behaviour of this bug and I will always err on the side of extreme caution. As the Who sang, 'I won't get fooled again'."
James Armitage, Westminster council's food safety manager, said:"Test results this week have shown that there has been an outbreak of norovirus at the Dinner restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Knightsbridge. The operators have now temporarily closed the restaurant and we believe this is the responsible thing to do."
Officials had already carried out a thorough inspection of both the restaurant premises and working practices and "will continue to work closely with Public Health England and the restaurant operators until the restaurant is given the all-clear," said Armitage.
"We have already asked the restaurant to improve some of its hygiene procedures – including telling staff to wash their hands more often. All the changes were made immediately." Reported by guardian.co.uk 11 hours ago.