Karen’s Diner receives zero food hygiene rating from inspectors

Known for its extremely rude staff, you know you're going to expect a rather uncomfortable time at Karen's Diner.

But you're hoping that the American-style diner's food will make up for it, with some of Karen's Diners praised for their grub.

However, a recent branch opened in Friars Walk, Newport, Wales, has received a zero food hygiene rating just weeks after it first opened.

The first visit from inspectors came on 22 February, with queues building up outside with people eager to test out the famous diner experience known for its atrocious service.

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Inspectors ended up giving the restaurant - which is labelled as 'terrible service but great food' - the zero rating and gave a long list on how the restaurant can improve.

Paul Levin, the man who oversees Karen’s Diner’s operations in the UK and Europe, said that the Newport restaurant has now changed its head chefs since the inspection and that the kitchen is 'now how a kitchen should be'.

He said they have now written to the council to request a visit, which he hopes will overturn the zero hygiene rating.

A spokesperson for Karen's Diner in Newport said: "The visit took place five days after the official opening, whereby the restaurant had experienced delays with the gas installation. The fast hygiene inspection is thought to have been conducted due to the large media attention received by the opening of the immersive experience diner.

"Karen’s Diner remains committed in ensuring the utmost care and attention is provided when it comes to food and hygiene standards, and following advice on necessary improvements by Newport City Council, has requested a revisit for the diner to be rescored to its deserved hygiene level.

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"Although an initial score rating of zero has been provided, Karen’s Diner would like to reassure its customers that the rectifications by Newport City Council were acted upon immediately, and the diner continues to celebrate positive comments and reviews by their guests."

This recently opened branch in Wales is actually not the first Karen's Diner to receive a poor food hygiene rating.

The Sheffield branch has a two, which means that improvement is necessary, according to the Food Standards Agency website.

Meanwhile, the Birmingham branch has a one score, meaning major improvement is necessary.

On the flip side, Karen’s Diner’s restaurant in Gillingham has a five hygiene rating.

A council spokesperson said: "A food hygiene inspection was carried out at Karen’s Diner in Friars Walk within a week of opening to the public. Appropriate action was taken and the food hygiene rating will be published at the end of the month."