Soho House venue under investigation for food safety

Soho House venue under investigation for food safety

An investigation has been launched by a local council into Soho House, a private members’ club, after a former employee reported issues concerning rodents and the serving of food past its expiry date. The ex-staff member revealed to BBC News that he was instructed to change the labels on prepared food items that remained unsold at the end of the day. Additionally, he frequently observed rats within the premises.

This individual, Kamran Khan, who was employed at the Shoreditch branch, initially raised his worries informally before lodging a formal complaint with the company. Despite assurances from Soho House that the problem involving re-labelling was isolated and against company policy, Khan stated that the practice persisted. His contract was ended roughly two months after the first complaints, a decision Soho House insists was unrelated to the allegations made.

Hackney Council has affirmed that it is actively investigating the food safety and hygiene practices at the Shoreditch venue following the complaint. Khan also mentioned that staff were required to check daily for rat droppings, indicating a longstanding rat issue. He expressed concern about the potential risk to vulnerable patrons, including children and pregnant women, and said, “I told them that I don’t want to be held personally liable for anyone that gets injured.”

A Soho House spokesperson issued an apology for the incident, emphasizing that such actions do not reflect the company’s standards. They confirmed that an external, independent audit and investigation were undertaken and reiterated their commitment to maintaining the highest food safety standards for members and guests. The spokesperson clarified that the termination of Khan’s contract had no connection to the food labelling complaints. Soho House, which began in London in 1995 and now operates 46 clubs worldwide, remains a popular spot among celebrities, including reportedly hosting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for their first date

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More