Why was The United Café fined?

The United Café was fined £10,000 after inspectors discovered a significant rat infestation, including gnawed potatoes and rat droppings.

What hygiene issues did the Manchester café face?

The café faced issues including a rat infestation, gnawed food, rat droppings, and serving gluten to a customer with a declared allergy, leading to a zero-star and later a one-star hygiene rating.

Sean Stokes is the director of Café United Ltd, which owns The United Café. He was fined £1,048, along with the company, for breaches of food safety legislation.

Home / Crime and Justice / Cafe Fined £10,000 for Rat Gnawed Food

Cafe Fined £10,000 for Rat Gnawed Food

23 Feb

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Summary

Cafe owner fined £10,000 for rat infestation.
Inspectors found gnawed potatoes and rat droppings.
Cafe served gluten to an inspector with allergy.

The United Café, a popular spot for Manchester United fans, received a £10,000 fine after inspectors uncovered a significant rat infestation. During an August 2024 visit, officials found potatoes gnawed by rodents and rat droppings under kitchen equipment, resulting in a zero-star hygiene rating. The café and a neighboring venue, Legends, voluntarily closed for essential cleaning and pest-proofing.

Further issues arose when an undercover inspector, declaring a gluten allergy, was served a burger containing gluten during a follow-up visit in November 2024. Café United Ltd and its director, Sean Stokes, pleaded guilty to food safety breaches. The company was fined £8,000 plus £1,000 costs, and Stokes received a £1,048 fine with a £419 surcharge.

A subsequent inspection in December 2025 revealed ongoing concerns, with the café receiving only a one-star rating and requiring 'major improvement' in food safety management.

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