A bakery in Richmond has been told that major improvement is necessary after being handed a food hygiene rating of 1.

The Parish Bakery, located on Upper Richmond Road in East Sheen, received the score following following an inspection by the Regulatory Services Partnership on behalf of Merton Council on 24 February 2025.

The findings, obtained by Richmond Nub News through a Freedom of Information request, revealed a range of serious hygiene failings — including signs of pest activity, inadequate cleaning, and poor food safety procedures.

Inspectors reported mice droppings in both the store room and various locations within the bakery itself.

"At the time of my visit, there were mice droppings seen on the floor in the store room and in various locations in the bakery," the report said. "This shows that staff are not carrying out thorough cleaning on site."

The report also raised concerns about basic hygiene provisions, noting: "There was no soap and hygienic hand drying facilities, for example paper towels, at the wash hand basin.

"Wash hand basins must be provided with soap and hygienic hand drying facilities at all times."

Legal improvements for The Parish Bakery to meet:

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1. Food safety management system 
2. Pest activity 
3. Missing temperature records 
4. No soap/hand drying facilities to the wash hand basin 
5. Food can be stored for 4 hours above 8oC 
6. Inadequate disinfection 
7. Evidence of pests 
8. No lobby 
9. Poor repair 
10. External proofing 

The most urgent issues, including pest control and food handling procedures, require immediate action, while areas such as external repairs have a one-month timeframe for correction.

The Parish Bakery has been approached for comment.

The FSA rating is part of a national scheme intended to help consumers make informed choices about where they purchase food.

A rating of 1 means major improvement is necessary in order to meet acceptable food hygiene standards.