The restaurants, shops and school breakfast club with the worst food hygiene ratings in Wales

The list features a highly popular Indian restaurant and a primary school’s breakfast club Clockwise from top left: Maison de Masala, Mariano's Pizzeria, Champsey's Coffee House, and Valley Cafe

Clockwise from top left: Maison de Masala, Mariano’s Pizzeria, Champsey’s Coffee House, and Valley Cafe(Image: Google / Maison de Masala)

Some 27 establishments across Wales have the worst possible food hygiene rating. The latest list includes a primary school breakfast club and an off-grid wellness destination lauded by the Guardian as one of the “best retreats in Europe”.

The Food Standards Agency classes businesses with zero stars out of five as needing “urgent” improvement. Council inspectors visit premises and consider how food is handled, stored and prepared.

They also look at how clean facilities are and how food safety is managed. If an inspector finds there is an imminent risk to public health they have the power to stop part of the operation or close it down entirely until the issues are addressed. They can also set a deadline for improvements.

The information below is publicly available on the Food Standards Agency website. The ratings appear as they do on that site at the time of publication. WalesOnline has made efforts to get responses from the businesses listed. If yours would like to add a response to this article, please email conor.gogarty@walesonline.co.uk

Sunflower Fish Bar and Kebab House

Address: 33 High Street, Merthyr Tydfil
Business type: Restaurant
Date of inspection: January 29, 2026
Hygienic food handling: Improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Urgent improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Major improvement necessary
What the business says: When we called the restaurant, its manager told us: “I don’t know the reasons for the score but we have applied for a re-rating. I just started two weeks ago. All the previous places I worked had four or five stars. That’s why the owner hired me. I’ve got the certificates and all these things.”

Maison De Masala

Address: Unit 2B, Parc Tawe, Swansea
Business type: Restaurant
Date of inspection: February 24, 2026
Hygienic food handling: Major improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Major improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Urgent improvement necessary
What the business says: Maison de Masala, which opened last October, bills itself as the biggest and best Indian restaurant in Swansea city centre. It has an average rating of 4.6 stars after 170 Google reviews, and is a sister restaurant to the popular Dark Horse in Mumbles. Asked the reason for the catastrophic hygiene score, a Maison de Masala spokesman said: “The inspection took place as the team was preparing for service, and an unexpected boiler breakdown temporarily affected our hot water supply.
“This was an isolated incident and not reflective of our usual standards. The boiler was repaired the following day, and we have since reviewed our procedures and equipment to ensure full compliance across all areas. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards and are confident that this will be reflected in an updated rating following reinspection.”

Zozan Kebab House

Address: 36-38 Vale Road, Rhyl, Denbighshire
Business type: Takeaway
Date of inspection: November 26, 2025
Hygienic food handling: Generally satisfactory
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Urgent improvement necessary
What the business says: Owner Niko Gunes told us the inspector was concerned that parts of the site were in disrepair and that there were holes in the kitchen floor, though he denied there was any rodent infestation as “we have pest control”. He said he spent around £35,000 on repairs to address the issues raised but that on returning the inspector remained unimpressed.
After Mr Gunes had paid around £270 for a quick reinspection, disaster struck midway through it. He had a major disagreement with the Denbighshire council inspector over which book he was meant to be using to log temperatures, and he ordered the officer to leave the premises before the assessment could be completed.
Since halting the reinspection, Mr Gunes says he has been pleading with the council to give what he would consider a fairer chance at improving the hygiene score, and not to be “mean” about the operation he’s running.
He added that Just Eat and Uber Eats orders have been down by around 50% since the zero, and he fears for the takeaway’s future if it does not get a better score soon. “I think I will have no choice but to leave Rhyl,” he said.

Rise and Shine breakfast club (at Rhayader Church in Wales primary school)

Address: Bryntirion Lane, Rhayader, Powys
Business type: School breakfast club
Date of inspection: June 4, 2025
Hygienic food handling: Improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Major improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Major improvement necessary
What the school says: Shortly after the inspection, headteacher Linda Crockett told the Powys County Times: “We are very disappointed by the recent food hygiene rating of zero awarded to our breakfast club following an inspection by the Powys environmental health officer.”
She added: “Immediately following the inspection, we implemented a comprehensive action plan to address every issue identified. We are also working closely with environmental health officers to ensure that all necessary improvements are made swiftly and thoroughly. A reinspection will be requested at the earliest possible opportunity and we are confident that the changes we have implemented will result in a significantly improved rating.”
Despite the stated intention to request a rescore at “the earliest possible opportunity”, there has been no further inspection since June last year and the rating remains zero, according to the Food Standards Agency website.

Spirit Horse

Address: Spirit Horse campsite, Pennant, Llanbrynmair, Powys
Business type: Spiritual retreat
Date of inspection: June 26, 2025
Hygienic food handling: Improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Major improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Major improvement necessary
What the business says: Spirit Horse has not responded to our approach for comment. Earlier this year the Guardian declared it one of the best retreats in Europe, writing: “Spirit Horse is an off-grid retreat centre on an 80-hectare rewilding site in a valley in Powys, with forested mountains, flower-filled meadows and tumbling waterfalls.”
It went on: “A busy summer programme celebrates both eastern and western traditions, including meditation, storytelling, women’s and men’s circles, plus a festival-style ‘tribal’ gathering, all held in Celtic roundhouses, yurts and temples.”
A five-night ‘enlightenment intensive’ visit costs £500, including “three healthy meals a day” served in a barn.

Pizza Choice

Address: 28 Heol Llanelli, Trimsaran, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire
Business type: Takeaway
Date of inspection: February 5, 2026
Hygienic food handling: Major improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Major improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Major improvement necessary
What the business says: Replying to our enquiry on Facebook, the takeaway initially told us it would send a response before our deadline explaining the reason for the rating and what had been done to address the problems. But this was followed by a message simply stating: “Don’t worry about it. I’ve fixed issues and waiting for another visit from food hygiene rating which is pending [sic].”
When we pressed Pizza Choice on why it had received a zero, there was no further reply beyond: “The issue is they’ve come in wrong time” and a smiling emoji.

Quick Shop

Address: 142 Clifton Street, Adamsdown, Cardiff
Business type: Convenience shop and bakery
Date of inspection: June 2, 2025
Hygienic food handling: Urgent improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Generally satisfactory
Management of food safety: Urgent improvement necessary
What the business says: This was the third zero-star hygiene rating the business had received in 18 months. Quick Shop did not respond to our latest approach for comment but, in a previous list of zero-rated businesses, the manager Mo Ali told us the shop had “some problems” which led the inspector to order it to close for two days.
The bakery area at the back of the shop – where items like keema bread and pistachio baklava were baked – was considered by the inspector to be “dirty” but those issues had been resolved, Mr Ali claimed. He was speaking weeks before the shop’s reinspection, which led to the same disastrous score. A year later there was a third inspection – again resulting in a zero.

The Fox & Hounds

Address: Park Road, Pontymister, Risca, Caerphilly county
Business type: Pub
Date of inspection: November 18, 2024
Hygienic food handling: Generally satisfactory
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Urgent improvement necessary
What the business says: When we first reported on the pub’s zero score, in last year’s list, the Fox & Hounds told us: “This is a temporary blip in our otherwise long-standing and well-trusted business. On the day of the inspection, we were in the middle of refurbishment and scaffolding had been erected outside the premises. The tools required for the maintenance had been moved inside owing to the recent storms damaging our outside storage. As a result, tools and materials were temporarily being kept in our store room. Although this room does not house any products which are for sale to the general public, this was identified as an area of concern, and this matter has now been addressed.”
The pub added: “There was also an issue with one carbon dioxide gas bottle not being adequately tethered to the wall, which we were able to remedy immediately. To clarify matters, the business does not serve freshly-made food, only pre-packaged items such as crisps, nuts and sealed containers of alcohol. The business always complies with the recommended stock rotation procedures, ensuring all products served are within date, and all hygiene requirements regarding drinks and snacks are maintained. None of the issues raised were in respect of food or drink hygiene, but rather due to maintenance and safety issues in respect of the building.”

SPAR – Prestatyn General Stores

Address: 26 High Street, Prestatyn, Denbighshire
Business type: Convenience shop
Date of inspection: February 6, 2026
Hygienic food handling: Major improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Major improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Urgent improvement necessary
What the business says: The SPAR convenience shop is based in a building which is also home to a post office. In February, the Rhyl Journal reported the premises had closed for the second time in a few weeks, citing “health and safety reasons”.
A Post Office spokesperson told the newspaper: “A new owner has taken over the former Blakemore SPAR store and is undertaking a full refurbishment of the post office and store, including moving the post office to the front of the shop. Due to the work being undertaken it has been deemed necessary for the post office and store to be closed for the time being for health and safety reasons. We cannot yet give a date when the post office or shop can reopen.”

Kulynn Foodconcept

Address: Private address in Cardiff’s CF11 area.
Business type: Retailer
Date of inspection: January 28, 2026
Hygienic food handling: Major improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Major improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Major improvement necessary
What the business says: “We are putting everything in place as requested from the food safety. We are working to reach the goals and our business premises are under renovation. With time we shall sort everything out.”

Hata Cafe

Address: Unit 15, 17-20 Gwent Square, Cwmbran, Torfaen
Business type: Coffee vendor
Date of inspection: September 30, 2025
Hygienic food handling: Major improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Major improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Major improvement necessary

Mariano’s Pizzeria

Address: 15 Broad Street, Barry, Vale Of Glamorgan
Business type: Takeaway
Date of inspection: October 23, 2025
Hygienic food handling: Major improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Urgent improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Urgent improvement necessary

Rhosddu Family Market

Address: 106 Rhosddu Road, Wrexham
Business type: Supermarket
Date of inspection: November 19, 2025
Hygienic food handling: Improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Good
Management of food safety: Urgent improvement necessary

Champsey’s Coffee House

Address: 35 High Street, Menai Bridge, Isle Of Anglesey
Business type: Cafe
Date of inspection: July 2, 2025
Hygienic food handling: Major improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Major improvement necessary

Abertillery Kebab House

Address: 7 Somerset Street, Abertillery, Blaenau Gwent
Business type: Takeaway
Date of inspection: February 20, 2026
Hygienic food handling: Improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Urgent improvement necessary

Valley Cafe

Address: 32 Commercial Street, Maesteg, Bridgend county
Business type: Cafe
Date of inspection: November 27, 2025
Hygienic food handling: Improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Major improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Urgent improvement necessary

Square Pizza

Address: 71 High Street, Blackwood, Caerphilly county
Business type: Takeaway
Date of inspection: February 26, 2026
Hygienic food handling: Improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Major improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Major improvement necessary

Abikem Superstores

Address: 70 Broadway, Adamsdown, Cardiff
Business type: Grocer’s
Date of inspection: October 27, 2025
Hygienic food handling: Improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Major improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Major improvement necessary

J D Supplier LTD TA JD Foods

Address: Unit 1, Lamby Way Workshops, Lamby Way, Trowbridge, Cardiff
Business type: Distributor / transporter
Date of inspection: September 23, 2025
Hygienic food handling: Good
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Major improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Urgent improvement necessary

Saz Trading

Address: 131 Clifton Street, Adamsdown, Cardiff
Business type: Retailer
Date of inspection: January 15, 2026
Hygienic food handling: Major improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Major improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Urgent improvement necessary

J G Corner Shop

Address: Central Stores, Birkenhead Street, Talybont, Ceredigion
Business type: Retailer
Date of inspection: October 16, 2025
Hygienic food handling: Major improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Major improvement necessary

Tal Y Bont Stores

Address: Siop Tal Y Bont Conway Road Tal Y Bont Conwy
Business type: Retailer
Date of inspection: November 4, 2025
Hygienic food handling: Major improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Major improvement necessary

Rhyl Spice

Address: 64 Queen Street, Rhyl, Denbighshire
Business type: Restaurant
Date of inspection: February 26, 2026
Hygienic food handling: Improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Urgent improvement necessary

Bangor Cash and Carry

Address: 49 Stryd Fawr, Bangor, Gwynedd
Business type: Retailer
Date of inspection: October 28, 2025
Hygienic food handling: Urgent improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Urgent improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Urgent improvement necessary

Harmony Farm

Address: Lasgarn Lane, Trevethin, Pontypool, Monmouthshire
Business type: Farm offering accommodation and catering for visitors
Date of inspection: June 25, 2025
Hygienic food handling: Improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Major improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Major improvement necessary

Sizzling Pan

Address: Vehicle trading at Plover Close, Llanwern, Newport
Business type: Mobile caterer
Date of inspection: February 3, 2025
Hygienic food handling: Improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Major improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Major improvement necessary

HM Convenience Store

Address: 105 Rhondda Street, Mount Pleasant, Swansea
Business type: Shop
Date of inspection: April 8, 2025
Hygienic food handling: Major improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building: Major improvement necessary
Management of food safety: Major improvement necessary

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The restaurants, shops and school breakfast club with the worst food hygiene ratings in Wales

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