Ojas Play Cafe, in High Street, was handed a one out of five for its food hygiene after an inspection by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) on December 13.
Owner Sonie Singh told the Recorder in January that the business had not officially opened and “there were builders still in here” when the inspector visited.
Sonie described this rating as potentially “detrimental” for the business and therefore requested a new inspection which she claimed she had to pay “just under £300 for”.
The new inspection took place on Tuesday (March 25) and resulted in Ojas being given a five out of five score.
Ojas opened on January 3 but the first inspection took place before opening on December 13 last year (Image: Ojas Play Cafe) “When I got the new rating, I was jumping for joy – literally,” said Sonie.
“My place is spotless – it’s brand new and we keep it so clean – people cannot believe how nice and clean the place is.
“I’m so happy and relieved to receive the rightful rating – it means people can see how hard we work and how much it means to us to ensure the place is clean.”
Sonie previously told the Recorder that she was so upset she “could cry” when she received the initial score.
“I was so upset as a new business owner,” she added.
“For me, as a business owner dealing with children, people would see that rating and not want to come and it would have been detrimental to my business.
The venue features a soft play area for children under five and a cafe, with a seating area and open-plan serving area.
The new rating has not yet been updated on the FSA website but Sonie claimed that she has been “assured” that it will be changed soon.
She also explained her gratitude to the Hornchurch community for their support even when the one out of five rating was given in December.
“The support from the community was phenomenal,” she said.
“People could have turned their back and not come to visit me but the community has been excellent – so supportive.
“Even when that first rating came out, it didn’t hinder my business – we’re always busy, hosting parties, we’ve got amazing customers and we’re launching memberships soon.
“So many parents have said that we’ve added a great thing to the community because there was nothing here before for parents and kids.”
