Branch of major chain is forced to close after being hit with ZERO star hygiene rating
The Bella Italia eatery at the Barbican Leisure Park has announced that it is now permanently closed.
The restaurant has operated at the Cattedown attraction for more than 10 years and survived a huge cull of outlets, which saw the Derry's Cross Bella Italia restaurant close, in 2020.
But it has now shut too and a message to customers on the chain's website said: 'Bella Italia Plymouth, Barbican Leisure, is now closed.'
It added: 'It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of our Bella Italia restaurant in Plymouth. We want to take this moment to thank you for your loyalty, your laughter and the many memories you've helped us create over the years.'
It directed customers to visit the next nearest Bella Italia, in Exeter, or 'sister-brand' Frankie and Benny's, also at the Barbican Leisure Park.
No explanation was given for the closure, but it comes just a month after the chain, owned by The Big Table Group, said it would close its branch in Darlington at the end of a lease period in July.
The Plymouth closure also comes seven months after the restaurant was told urgent improvements were necessary following an inspection in October 2024.
Inspectors found the restaurant, also trading as Supa Nonna delivery service, needed urgent improvement with regards to the cleanliness and condition of facilities and building, as well as the management of food safety.
At the time, a Bella Italia spokesperson said 'immediate corrective actions' had been carried out and that safety of guests was a 'top priority'. The spokesperson said the chain was 'deeply disappointed' to have received a zero score.
It was said that the Plymouth team was working closely with Plymouth City Council to 'demonstrate the strength of our practices and ensure we quickly restore our food hygiene rating to the high standard we expect in all of our restaurants and that our guests deserve'.
The Bella Italia restaurant at Derry's Cross shut in 2020 as one of 91 closures resulting from the administration of the Casual Dining Group. The unit, after being empty for years, is now used as offices by Plymouth City Council.
Earlier this month it was announced that a new restaurant called Fry's Grillhouse will open at the Barbican Leisure Park in a unit empty since the Chiquito chain pulled out about five years ago.
Last year a Manchester United themed cafe has been handed a zero-star hygiene rating after being found of having a rat infestation.
The United Cafe - which is decorated with the Red Devils' colours and located just a few hundred yards away from Old Trafford - is popular among match-going fans.
According to The Metro, the cafe voluntarily closed after discovering the pests, before a hygiene inspector ordered them to carry out a deep clean and undertake proofing work.
Along with the United Cafe, a next-door venue named Legends also closed down voluntarily at the time due to the infestation.
According to a report by Trafford Council, a full inspection was undertaken in August, which involved examining the cafe's cleaning procedures and hazard analysis.
Under a list of key points, the inspector wrote: 'Visit due to issues with rat activity in the area. Both premises closed voluntarily due to rat infestation.'
According to the council's report, work to remediate the pest infestation had to be carried out before the venues reopened.
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