Acton Pub Owner Hit with £8,538 Fine for Severe Food Safety Breaches
Ealing Council has imposed a significant financial penalty on the owner of a West London pub after inspectors discovered alarming evidence of a mouse infestation and critical hygiene failures. Rogerio Mendes, operating as Mendes Sheepwalk Tavern on Market Place in Acton, pleaded guilty to six food hygiene charges at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on December 23, 2025.
Inspections Reveal Persistent Pest Problems
Council inspectors visited the establishment on two separate occasions between November 2023 and June 2024, uncovering mouse droppings throughout the premises, particularly concentrated around the drinks storage area. Additionally, they noted a complete absence of hot water to the sole handwashing basin in the kitchen, a fundamental requirement for safe food handling.
The initial inspection in November 2023 was so concerning that authorities issued an immediate hygiene emergency prohibition notice, forcing the pub to shut its doors temporarily. The business was permitted to reopen in December 2023 only after demonstrating it had completed necessary improvement works to address the violations.
Repeated Failures Lead to Court Action
Despite the temporary closure and promised improvements, follow-up inspections in the summer of 2024 revealed that pest control issues persisted. This pattern of non-compliance led to formal charges, including:
- Failing to implement adequate pest control measures
- Neglecting to maintain clean and properly maintained premises
- Disregarding a Hygiene Improvement Notice issued by authorities
Magistrates fined Mendes £2,154 and ordered him to pay £5,522 in court costs plus an £862 victim surcharge, bringing the total financial penalty to £8,538. The conviction also results in a permanent criminal record for the pub owner.
Council Vows Continued Vigilance
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, Ealing Council's cabinet member for decent living incomes, emphasized the seriousness of the violations. "All food businesses in the borough have a responsibility to operate safely, and failing to meet these basic standards puts the public at risk," Nagpal stated. "When inspections uncover conditions like this, despite our efforts to help business operators, we have no choice but to act firmly."
The Mendes Sheepwalk Tavern currently operates with a food hygiene rating of just 2 out of 5. Ealing Council officials confirm they continue to monitor the establishment closely and are working with the business to ensure future compliance with all food safety regulations.
Public Urged to Check Hygiene Ratings
Council representatives strongly advise residents to verify food hygiene ratings before dining out. "We will continue to hold any business that disregards food safety rules fully to account," Nagpal added. "If you're thinking of eating out, we highly recommend checking the business's hygiene rating first."
Ealing residents with concerns about food hygiene practices at local establishments can report them directly to the council's food safety team. The case serves as a stark reminder to all food service operators about the serious consequences of neglecting basic hygiene standards and pest control protocols.
