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Cardiff Restaurant Fined Over Cockroach Infestation and Hygiene Violations
A Cardiff restaurant owner has been fined after trading standards officers discovered a significant cockroach infestation in the kitchen of his establishment. Motiur Rahman, 51, who owned Spice Kitchen Ltd, located in Birchgrove, has been ordered to pay more than £3,500 following an investigation initiated by a tip from a member of the public.
During the initial inspection by Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) in October 2024, officers found active cockroach activity throughout the kitchen area. A video recorded during the inspection captured the extent of the infestation, with officers remarking on the presence of cockroaches crawling on walls and equipment.
A follow-up inspection three months later revealed another issue: no hot water was available at the premises. The restaurant had operated while the infestation was present. It had previously been trading under the name “Delhi Cuisine” before voluntarily closing and reopening later under the name “Grand Sylhet” once the issues were addressed.
In addition to the infestation, officers highlighted serious concerns during a January 2025 inspection, noting that high-risk food handling was being conducted without adequate washing facilities for hands or equipment, due to the absence of hot water.
Following the court proceedings at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, Rahman was fined £240, ordered to pay £200 in costs, and a victim surcharge of £96. Spice Kitchen Ltd was fined £2,000, with additional costs of £200 and a victim surcharge of £800.
Councillor Ed Stubbs, who oversees SRS at Cardiff Council, commented on the case, emphasising the legal responsibility of food businesses to maintain hygiene standards. He stated: “The conditions identified during these inspections presented unacceptable risks and required immediate action to protect public health,” reaffirming the council’s commitment to enforcing food hygiene regulations.
