THE owner of a dirty restaurant has been fined £13,500 for food hygiene offences.

Crestdane Ltd which owns the Peninsula restaurant in Bugsby’s Way, Greenwich, was prosecuted following an unannounced visit from Greenwich Council environmental health officers in June 2008.

The restaurant was not closed as it did not pose an imminent risk to public health, but the company later pleaded guilty to nine offences under the Hygiene Regulations Act.

These breaches related to dirty equipment found in the kitchen, as well as on the floor, walls and on ventilation ducting.

Food storage containers were in a poor state and mouse droppings were found in food storage areas.

Council cabinet member for neighbourhood services, Councillor Maureen O’Mara, said: “The council will continue to carry out unannounced visits to food businesses and will take necessary action to safeguard customers’ health.

"It is essential food businesses take all the appropriate steps to ensure general food hygiene standards are met.”

During the recent hearing at Woolwich Magistrates', Crestdane Ltd was also ordered to pay costs of £6,800.