Bambu Vietnamese rated two stars by Food Standards Agency

Bambu, in the Hythe, Colchester, was handed a two star food hygiene rating when inspected by an environmental health officer.

The watchdog revealed no hot water was available during its inspection and noted a series of minor issues at the site on the bank of the River Colne.

A Colchester Council spokesman said the water issue was rectified “very quickly afterwards”.

Restaurant - Bambu, in Colchester (Image: Stephanie Mackentyre)

Bosses at the family-run restaurant were told improvement is necessary in the cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building in Quayside Drive.

Aspects inspected include pest control, ventilation, hand washing facilities and whether there is an appropriate layout.

The venue was ranked generally satisfactory in its hygienic food handling, including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage.

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However, its management of food safety was rated good, with a robust system in place ensuring food sold or served is safe to eat.

The inspector has “confidence” safety standards will be maintained, with staff also said to be knowledgeable about food safety.

Food - customers enjoy a meal in Bambu (Image: Stephanie Mackentyre)

The council spokesman stated “minor contraventions” were noted during the inspection but most have now been put right.

He stated the nature of the rule breaches meant the inspector had no choice but to rate the restaurant as two out of five – “improvement necessary”.

Bambu has the opportunity to have a new inspection should bosses opt to fund it themselves.

The spokesman added: “As there is not a duty to return for an inspection to rescore, Bambu will need to book and pay for another inspection visit.

Venue - Bambu (Image: Google)

“If they do so, the officer will return within three months to inspect and re-score.”

Bambu opened in 2016 after brother and sister, Mai and Kong La, spent a year painstakingly transforming an empty building into the venue it is today.

Its traditional Vietnamese recipes have proven popular in Colchester ever since.

A statement on its website reads: “Bambu has never ceased to search for new ways to improve whilst keeping the core values at heart.”

Bambu was contacted for comment but did not respond at the time of going to press.