A pub and four other eateries and shops have scored the lowest possible food hygiene ratings so far this year.

In our last food hygiene inspection round-up in January, just four Camden borough places to eat had their scores released in 2024 at the time of publication.

However this month data has revealed that 13 establishments out of 49 inspected by Camden Council’s environmental health team in the area covered by the Ham&High scored either a 2/5 – meaning improvement is necessary – or lower.

Five of these were rated 0/5, meaning that ‘urgent’ improvement was necessary.

Casa Pastor

On January 3, the Mexican restaurant in Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross, was rated 0/5.

Both the hygienic food handling and cleanliness and condition of facilities were rated as ‘improvement necessary’, while the management of food safety needed ‘urgent improvement’.

The Southampton Arms

The pub in Highgate Road, Kentish Town, was also given 0/5 on January 4.

All areas inspected – the hygienic food handling, the cleanliness and condition of facilities and the management of food safety – were rated ‘major improvement necessary’.

Green Village Deli

This Mediterranean deli in Belsize Road, South Hampstead, was rated 0/5 on January 4.

The hygienic food handling was given an ‘improvement necessary’ rating, while both the cleanliness and condition of facilities and management of food safety needed ‘major improvement’.

The Sushi Co

On January 10, this Camden High Street restaurant was given 1/5, with ‘major improvement necessary’.

While the cleanliness and condition of facilities were found to be ‘good’, the hygienic food handling was rated ‘improvement necessary’ and the management of food safety was rated ‘major improvement necessary’.

The Engineer

This pub, next to the Regents Canal in Gloucester Avenue, Primrose Hill, was given 2/5, with ‘improvement necessary’.

Although both he hygienic food handling and management of food safety were both ‘generally satisfactory’, it was the cleanliness and condition of facilities that let the venue down, rated ‘improvement necessary’.

Jin Kichi

Described as a family-run Japanese restaurant, this eatery in Heath Street, Hampstead, was given 1/5, with ‘major improvement necessary’, on January 11.

The cleanliness and condition of facilities was rated ‘good’, but the hygienic food handling was given ‘improvement necessary’ and ‘major improvement’ was needed for the management of food safety.

Mr Lee Chinese Food Takeaway

The Belsize Road takeaway was given 0/5, this time after an inspection on January 11.

Both the hygienic food handling and management of food safety were scored ‘major improvement necessary’, while the cleanliness and condition of facilities was rated ‘improvement necessary’.

Siba Café

At the Swiss Cottage Community Centre in Winchester Road, inspectors found that ‘major improvement’ was needed, giving the café 1/5 on January 12.

The cleanliness and condition of facilities was found to be ‘generally satisfactory’, but the hygienic food handling was scored ‘improvement necessary’ and the management of food safety was rated ‘major improvement necessary’.

Swiss Cottage Community Nursery

The nursery, also at the Swiss Cottage Community Centre, was given a 1/5 a few days later on January 15.

The cleanliness and condition of facilities was rated ‘good’, but the hygienic food handling was given ‘improvement necessary’ and the management of food safety was rated ‘major improvement necessary’.

Chewchoose

On January 16, Chewchoose, in Regis Road, was given 1/5.

The cleanliness and condition of facilities was found to be ‘good’, but the hygienic food handling was given ‘improvement necessary’ and the management of food safety was rated ‘major improvement necessary’.

Patog

This newly opened Persian street food outlet in Dockray Place was given 2/5 on January 17.

Although both the hygienic food handling and management of food safety were ‘generally satisfactory’, the cleanliness and condition of facilities was given ‘improvement necessary’.

Today Sushi

The Camden Market stall was scored 0/5, with ‘urgent improvement necessary’, on January 17.

All areas inspected – the hygienic food handling, the cleanliness and condition of facilities and the management of food safety – were rated ‘urgent improvement necessary’.

Casa Tua

On January 23, Casa Tua in Royal College Street, Camden, was given 2/5.

Both the hygienic food handling and management of food safety were ‘generally satisfactory’, but the cleanliness and condition of facilities was rated ‘improvement necessary’.

The Ham&High is keeping a monthly record of food hygiene inspections within Camden.

The food hygiene scores range from zero - meaning 'urgent improvement' is needed - to five, which is deemed 'very good'.

To date, just a few ratings in February have been shared by Camden Council so far - although more are expected to come in at a later date.

Here is a round-up of all ratings so far in 2024: