Middlesbrough takeaway boss says restaurant is ‘perfectly clean’ after venue slapped with 1* rating

Middlesbrough: A takeaway owner is standing firm, claiming his restaurant is “perfectly clean” after receiving a one-star hygiene rating. The BBQ House on Linthorpe Road was told it needed major improvements following an inspection on November 28, 2024.

Owner Bakhtiar expressed frustration over the rating, stating that his team is ready for a follow-up visit. He shared that his family faced many challenges after moving to the UK two years ago, and they’ve worked hard to improve the business since he took over. He mentioned that there was some mess during the inspection, but they cleaned up right after.

Bakhtiar is worried about losing customers due to the rating and wants to assure locals that the venue is clean. He’s eager for inspectors to return and see the improvements. The hygiene report highlighted several issues, including raw kebab stored next to lemons and using the same surfaces for raw and ready-to-eat foods without proper cleaning.

Inspectors also noted dirty fridge handles and a damaged storage unit. They raised concerns about cross-contamination risks, especially with high-risk foods like chicken curry being left out too long. Despite these issues, the takeaway remains popular, boasting a 4.9 rating on Google Reviews and a solid following on social media.

Customers rave about the tasty food and generous portions, with one reviewer calling it a “gem” on Linthorpe Road. Bakhtiar is hopeful that with some changes, he can regain the trust of his customers and improve the restaurant’s rating.