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It should be emphasised, of course, that there are now within the City a number of truly
top-grade quality restaurants where this staff problem is less acute, and in these establishments
the standard of food and service available is undoubtedly equal, if not superior, to that of the
renowned West End restaurants. It is interesting to record the fact that the "Gold Plate" award
by Egon Ronay to the "Restaurant of the Year" was, for the year 1970, won by a restaurant
situated within the City of London. Some of the staff restaurants provided by the banks, insurance
companies and other institutions are also beyond reproach and provide excellent examples of
efficient and hygienically operated catering units. Invariably the many official visitors from
overseas who have been afforded the opportunity of making a thorough and detailed inspection
of these premises have been favourably impressed by the excellence of the construction, equipment
and design and by the high standard of cleanliness and hygiene which is regularly achieved.
The co-operation and the facilities afforded by the proprietors and managers to enable such
visitors to inspect their restaurants is appreciated by this Department.
During the year under review there has been a further reduction in the number of operative
restaurants in the City. Some premises have been closed down because of redevelopment, others
are being used for alternative purposes, and a few remain empty, presumably in the hope that a
would-be caterer of sufficient courage or one ignorant of the inherent difficulties of City catering,
will eventually accept a tenancy.
Unfortunately, because of the high level of rents in the City there is a tendency for the
inferior and cheaper type of premises, for which an alternative use cannot be found, to be adapted
for catering purposes. Whilst in some instances it has been possible to persuade an intending
caterer not to establish a new business in inherently unsuitable premises, if such advice is not
accepted or if this Department is not consulted there is no legal process by which such a basically
unsatisfactory development can be prevented. In accordance with normal practice, much
time and effort has been devoted to proposed new premises where the prospective tenant has
contacted this Department, to ensure that as high a standard as is practicable is secured. Advice
and guidance has been given in all such cases and the cotoperation which has been achieved in
many instances has been advantageous both to this Department and the caterer.
FOOD AND DRUGS ACT, 1955
During the year the work of the Sampling Officer has been directed to samples of food which
the housewife would normally buy or be tempted to purchase as a consequence of modern marketing
methods.
Of the 390 samples purchased only 18 were the subject of adverse reports by the Public
Analyst. The irregularities mostly referred to infringements of the Labelling of Food Orders,
but two were the subject of summonses, both for selling food unfit for human consumption. The
labelling infringements were resolved after consultation with the manufacturers and packers
concerned.
Particular attention was again paid to the sampling of "made-up" foods such as mince meat,
pies, and sausages of all kinds, and it is interesting to note that the above-mentioned summonses
were the result of the Sampling Officer having purchased this kind of food early on a Monday
morning as soon as the premises opened for business. By this means, also, it is possible to
obtain an indication of the freshness or otherwise of food offered for sale after a long weekend
when most food premises are closed.
Eighteen were formal samples of milk purchased from milk roundsmen in the City area and
from restaurants, and on examination by the Public Analyst were found to be satisfactory in all
respects.
Two were formal samples of draught beer purchased from separate public houses in the City
area and these, too, on examination proved satisfactory.
FOOD COMPLAINTS
During the year under review there was an increase in the number of complaints concerning
food sold in an unsound condition or food containing extraneous material. Court proceedings were
instituted in 13 cases and fines and costs were imposed totalling £410.
The complaints investigated related to the following: —
I. Severe mould growths, staleness and unsoundness which affected the following articles: —
(a) Strawberries
(b) Scotch Egg
(c) Chops
(d) Liver and Bacon Croquettes
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