Cockroaches and explosive gas found in restaurants

Images from Momo House (left) and The Peri Peri Chicken Hut (right)

Environmental Health inspectors closed two restaurants they said posed a serious public health risk.

Officials from Reading Borough Council shut the sites in September after routine inspections.

The Nepalese restaurant Momo House, in Farnham Drive, Caversham was found to have potentially explosive gas bottles stored next to tandoori ovens.

While The Peri Peri Chicken Hut, on Whitley Street, Reading had widespread cockroach activity throughout the restaurant and kitchen.

Cockroaches were found in the site on Whitley Street, Reading

The mains gas supply at Momo House had been replaced by five liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bottles, stored around the kitchen.

The inspectors found the bottles and equipment, purchased from Facebook Marketplace, were covered in grease and at risk of exploding at any time due to being stored close to tandoori ovens.

The site was temporarily closed while the premises were ventilated, and arrangements could be put in place for the gas to be safely removed.

Baby, juvenile, and adult cockroaches

In The Peri Peri Chicken Hut they found a large number of baby, juvenile, and adult cockroaches in the salad bar, drink storage, under a hand wash basin, and behind the fridges.

The Environmental Health officers believed that due to their various life stages, the cockroaches may have been present at the property for more than three months.

The business is also believed to have changed hands in 2019 but had failed to update its registration with the council.

Officers served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice, immediately closing the restaurant.

They have said they will monitor the business closely, provide advice and information, and inspect the premises as soon as it is ready to reopen.

Councillor Ruth McEwan, lead councillor for public health and education, said: “These cases underscore the vital work of Reading’s public protection team, constantly monitoring businesses across the borough to ensure they are supported to operate on a level playing field, and quickly intervening with those who dangerously cut corners to protect the public."