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Case studies

Case Study · Pimlico, London · Restaurants & Hospitality

Maintaining a 5 Rating at a Busy Pimlico Eatery

A busy, family-run eatery in Pimlico already holding a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 engaged Kitchen Tonic to protect and strengthen its standards under heavy daily trading. Through a full audit, corrective actions including a blast chiller, a refreshed FSMS and an updated allergen matrix, plus ongoing monthly audits, the business is set up to sustain its top rating.

5
Food Hygiene Rating, protected under heavy trade
Monthly
food hygiene audits for ongoing verification
Refreshed
FSMS and Natasha’s Law allergen matrix

The Challenge

A top rating to protect under heavy trade

  • Holding a Food Hygiene Rating of 5, but under pressure from high daily trading volumes
  • Needed to maintain and strengthen existing food safety standards
  • Wanted proactive improvement to safeguard the rating ahead of future inspections
  • Required safe cooling and storage controls for high-risk foods at volume

Ask the case

The questions behind the turnaround

Our Solution

Proactive controls, audited every month

  • Carried out a comprehensive food hygiene audit against UK Food Hygiene Regulations to identify proactive improvements
  • Introduced a blast chiller to improve safe cooling and storage of high-risk foods
  • Delivered targeted staff training and structured monitoring documentation for correct use and temperature control verification
  • Implemented a refreshed Food Safety Management System (FSMS) for clearer procedures and stronger day-to-day controls
  • Reviewed and updated the allergen management system, including a fully revised allergen matrix aligned with Natasha’s Law
  • Established monthly food hygiene audits for ongoing verification, corrective action support and premises guidance

The Results

Built to hold a 5 at the next inspection

  • Strengthened food safety controls and procedural clarity across daily operations
  • Improved safe cooling and temperature control with the blast chiller and monitoring records
  • Brought allergen identification and communication fully in line with Natasha’s Law
  • Ongoing monthly audits keeping the business inspection-ready
  • Systems and controls in place to support continued achievement of a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 at the next EHO inspection

Delivered by Kitchen Tonic

This turnaround was delivered by our food-safety consultants — building a bespoke HACCP system, training the team, and guiding the business through reinspection.

RSPH-accredited · HACCP specialists · 16+ years supporting UK hospitality

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