Cockroach infestation at Shish Mahal Tandoori Restaurant sees more than £30,000 in penalties for owner.
The company behind an Indian restaurant has been ordered to pay a £25,000 fine plus £5,465.92 in costs after a complaint prompted an inspection of the premises at 815 High Road, Leyton by council Environmental Health Officers on Tuesday 30 July 2024.
The council immediately ordered the restaurant to close following an investigation uncovering evidence of cockroach activity in food preparation areas where open food and ingredients were being stored and handled.
Representing the eatery’s parent company Leyton Dining Club Ltd, Mr Abdul Bashir pled guilty to two offences including “failing to put in place adequate procedures to controls pests” and “failing to keep the premises clean” at a Thames Magistrates’ Court hearing on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
A spokesperson for Waltham Forest Council, said:
“This case clearly demonstrates the need for food business operators to address pest control before they present an imminent risk to public health. While owners often don’t see the benefit of preventative measures or feel it's worth the investment, basic pest control measures are an absolute necessity when it comes to protecting the public from health and safety hazards.
“Waltham Forest Council wants to work with food businesses to encourage best practice wherever possible, and we encourage members of the public to raise their concerns with the council – as they did in this case – in order for us to target enforcement action where it is most needed.”
If you suspect a food business of risking public health in Waltham Forest, you can report it to our Food Safety Team via our website.
You can check the food hygiene rating of any food business quickly and easily with the Food Standards Agency’s online tool.