Galbi Korean Restaurant in Southsea has been ordered to close immediately after an inspection discovered an active mouse infestation.

Portsmouth City Council’s environmental health team carried out a routine inspection of the food business, located at 8 Albert Road, Southsea, on Tuesday 28 July.

During the visit, a mouse infestation was found throughout the premises. Mouse droppings were discovered on oven shelves, next to open boxes of food and underneath drinking glasses in the bar.

The structure of the premises was found to be poor, with a large gap under the rear kitchen door and a missing pane of glass above the entrance door allowing rodents to enter the building.

An oriental cockroach was also found floating in a container of water in the bar. Officers also identified issues with cleanliness and found dirty equipment.

The business was immediately closed during the inspection under a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.

Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court agreed with the council’s actions and on Thursday 30 July signed a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, which means the restaurant must remain closed until the health risk has been removed.

Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure & Sport, said: “What our officers uncovered during this inspection was shocking. The premises were filthy, there was clear evidence of an active mouse infestation, and mouse droppings were discovered next to open food and even inside an oven.

“The public should expect food businesses to operate to the highest hygiene standards. The conditions at this restaurant were completely unacceptable and posed a serious risk to public health, which is why we took immediate action to close the premises.”