Bollywood, in Chase Cross Road, closed its doors for good in December – but the Recorder has been told it will soon reopen as a new business.
A spokesperson for Bollywood said that the restaurant was shut due to “unforeseen circumstances” and is now undergoing refurbishment by the new owners.
Before closing, Bollywood was given a zero food hygiene rating – meaning “urgent improvement” is necessary” following an inspection from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) on December 12.
FSA officers found that “urgent improvement” was needed for both the cleanliness of the facilities and the management of food safety, while “major improvement” was deemed necessary for the hygienic handling of food.
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However, Bollywood insists that the restaurant’s closure is not due to the food hygiene rating.
A spokesperson for the restaurant told the Recorder: “During the inspection in December, we were in the process of handing over the restaurant to the new owners due to unforeseen circumstances.
“The restaurant has not been shut down due to the rating, it is a decision the new owners have taken to do some cosmetic works and all necessary repairs and maintenance to start their new trade.”
It is not yet clear who the new owners are, but the Recorder has contacted Bollywood for further comment.
A Havering Council spokesperson said: “The business Bollywood was inspected by us on 12 December 2024 when significant food safety failings were found.
“The business had the right to appeal the score within 21 days of the first inspection, which they did not do.
“They can also ask us for a right of response on the FHRS website, such as ‘at the revisit the inspector said we now comply’. This option was not utilised either.”
