Steerpike Steerpike

What’s causing the stink at 5 Hertford Street?

Robin Birley’s 5 Hertford Street, the eye-wateringly expensive club in Mayfair, has been given until March to sort out its kitchens or face serious consequences after receiving an abysmal one star rating for hygiene from the food inspectors of Westminster Council.

This comes after the departure last summer, in apparently acrimonious circumstances, of the designer of the kitchens, former executive chef Alberico Penati. Penati, who used to work for Birley’s father at Harry’s Bar and Aspinall’s, has had a chequered history: a waitress who worked under him at another establishment was awarded £124,000 by a tribunal for sexual harassment in 2006.

James Armitage, Westminster City Council Food Safety Manager, revealed:

‘Following an inspection of the kitchens at 5 Hertford Street Limited in September 2013, Environmental Health Officers from Westminster City Council sent a report to its operators.

Steerpike
Written by
Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

Topics in this article

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in