A Cosham takeaway has been temporarily shut down after health inspectors discovered an active mouse infestation throughout the premises.
Portsmouth City Council served an immediate closure notice on West Grill in Spur Road on Tuesday, 18th November 2025, following serious food hygiene violations. The establishment, run by North Grill Cosham Ltd at 7 Spur Road, Cosham PO6 3DY, had previously been warned about pest control issues.
In September 2025, the business received a Food Hygiene Rating of 2 (Improvement Necessary) after inspectors found evidence of minor mouse activity in the kitchen. Despite being alerted to the problem, the company failed to take sufficient action to safeguard food safety standards.
The recent inspection revealed mouse droppings on the pizza oven, around beverage bottles, and beside uncovered food items. Officers described the kitchen and servery areas as being in a filthy state, with equipment coated in grease and food residue, conditions which encouraged pest activity.
A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was issued immediately on 18th November 2025 due to the serious risk to public health. Three days later, on Friday, 21st November 2025, Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court upheld the closure order, with a District Judge granting a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order.
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, commented: “Our Regulatory Services team is committed to protecting public health and ensuring food safety across Portsmouth. When serious risks are identified, action is taken quickly and decisively to prevent harm. We urge all food businesses to take their responsibilities seriously, and we remain committed to supporting them in meeting high standards.”
The business has since completed the required remedial works and has been allowed to reopen. Photographic evidence of the violations was presented to the court as part of the enforcement proceedings.
