Stokey Bears’ hygiene rating upgraded despite evidence of vermin
Burger off: Tom Reaney previously dismissed public concerns with a ‘yawn’.
Burger joint Stokey Bears had mice droppings in the “bar, seating area and stores” as recently as last month, according to a food hygiene report dated 5 January.
Despite receiving a warning about all the problems in June last year, the hipster eatery on Stoke Newington High Street was upgraded from a zero rating to one out of five by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) after its most recent visit.
However, officers said there was still “improvement necessary” in food handling, cleanliness of facilities and food safety.
Owner Tom Reaney dismissed a previous inspection as “council banter”.
@talktoharris1 Yeah. Council banter. Our products and procedures are in perfect order. Feel free to come and check yourself. #BeingReRated
— Stokey Bears (@stokeybears) January 21, 2017
The January report also said the external store room was “dirty” and in need of “cleaning and disinfection”, the “toilet window opens directly into the food store”, and burger buns were “kept outside in the elements unattended”.
The inspector noted that the FSA was “awaiting verification that the premises will not serve less than thoroughly cooked burgers”, and said there was “evidence of training needed” for the cook.
@acwstokey @Stokeyparents Yawn. Don’t believe the hype. We cook burgers pink and the council got nothing better to do #FactCheck
— Stokey Bears (@stokeybears) January 2, 2017
Zero hygiene rating due to damn miscommunication and #pinkburgergate but still the best burger in Stokey…. Get in touch if your concerned pic.twitter.com/YgS1ItD3NZ
— Stokey Bears (@stokeybears) February 12, 2017
Despite Reaney’s light-hearted responses on social media to concerned members of the public, the restaurant’s Twitter feed shows he is taking steps to rectify the problems raised by the FSA.
Excited for our new kitchen and store room setup! Builders are in again! Woohoo. Got brand new bad boy griddle too!! #Week3
— Stokey Bears (@stokeybears) February 28, 2017
A council spokesperson said: “In Hackney the largest number of closures are due to the presence of pests within the food premises and food preparation areas.”
Commenting on inspection procedures, they added: “The inspecting officer will work with the business to bring about improvements in the shortest time possible.
“This could include a combination of revisits to move the business along to compliance or thorough the service of formal notices should the business fail to implement timely solutions.”
Reaney failed to respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.