Manchester United-themed café faces £10,000 penalty over rodent issue
A popular Manchester United-themed café for supporters has faced a £10,000 penalty after health inspectors uncovered a rodent problem at the premises, reports BritPanorama.
The United Café, operating independently from the football club, received the lowest possible hygiene rating of 0 stars following a discovery in August 2024. Council officers visiting the Chester Road establishment reported evidence of rats throughout the venue, including chewed potatoes.
In the wake of these findings, the Manchester United-themed business, located near Old Trafford Stadium, temporarily closed its doors. Authorities mandated extensive cleaning and proofing work before any reopening could take place.
According to Trafford Council’s report, rat droppings were found beneath cooking equipment, signaling significant hygiene failures. The neighbouring establishment, Legends, also voluntarily closed at the same time due to the pest problem affecting the area. Inspectors stated: “Visit due to issues with rat activity in the area. Both premises closed voluntarily due to rat infestation.”
The café, which also functions as a bar and off-licence serving traditional fare like fish and chips and full English breakfasts, currently maintains a 4.2 rating on Google. After an undercover inspection conducted in November post-reopening, further serious concerns surfaced when an inspector with a declared gluten allergy was served a burger containing the allergen, a serious breach of food safety protocols.
Investigators also determined that the business failed to conduct proper daily pest monitoring, despite records claiming the venue was vermin-free. Officers established that adequate checks for rodent activity had not been done, even though documentation falsely indicated that no pest issues existed.
Sean Stokes, 56, director of Café United Ltd, appeared alongside the café in Manchester Magistrates Court, where both parties admitted to breaching food safety legislation. The company received a fine of £8,000 plus £1,000 in costs. Stokes personally faced a penalty of £1,048 alongside an additional surcharge of £419. The total financial repercussions exceeded £10,000 for the violations uncovered during inspections.
As the café grapples with the fallout from the inspections, the incident underscores the delicate balance between running a successful establishment and ensuring rigorous health standards, a reality that resonates beyond the footballing community.
