La Creperie de Hampstead, a long-standing crepe stall in London known for attracting celebrities, has been given a zero-star hygiene rating by the Food Standards Agency following an inspection on June 9. The stall, a fixture in the Hampstead neighborhood since 1977, was told that 'urgent improvement' is necessary in the management of food safety.
Inspectors noted that extra care is needed in ensuring food sold is safe to eat and that staff possess adequate knowledge of food safety. "Major improvement" was also required in the hygienic handling of food, encompassing preparation, cooking, reheating, cooling, and storage. Furthermore, the cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building, including aspects like layout, ventilation, hand washing, and pest control, were deemed to need significant enhancement to ensure good food hygiene.
The creperie has been a popular destination for numerous celebrities, including models Kate Moss and Kelly Brook, singer Kimberley Walsh, and actors Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis. Harry Styles, formerly of One Direction, is also among the notable patrons. Despite its celebrity appeal and reputation as a "local landmark" and "no.1 Creperie in Europe," the recent inspection has highlighted significant concerns.
Social media users continue to visit the stall, often drawn by the prospect of trying "Harry Styles' favourite crepe." The menu features both sweet options, such as the La Crêpe Suzette and Banana and Belgian Chocolate crepes, and savory choices like Asparagus and Cheese and Ratatouille Galette with Ham.
This is not the first time La Creperie de Hampstead has made headlines. In 2021, the stall, along with a neighboring pancake vendor, was temporarily shut down by Camden Council officers due to concerns over customers not adhering to COVID-19 regulations and social distancing measures. At the time, the council cited "a serious and imminent threat to public health" due to queues and crowds. The stall's management contended that they had implemented social distancing measures and requested customers wear masks, arguing they could not control public behavior.