Cockroach infestation closes Port Solent restaurant

Rimjhim in the Boardwalk, Port Solent was closed by inspectors from Portsmouth City Council following an inspection on Friday.

The popular establishment, which was awarded the TripAdvisor ‘Award of Excellence’ in 2012, 2013 and 2014, was closed to customers yesterday with a sign in the window explaining the closure.

The letter, from Donna Harvey, a Portsmouth City Council inspector read: ‘During my inspection of Rimjhim, I was of the opinion that the continued preparation of food at the premises would pose an immediate risk of injury to persons consuming that food.

‘There is evidence of an active cockroach infestation with live nymph and adult cockroaches seen in the kitchen.’

The letter said that the insects had been spotted near open popadoms and tandoori chickens and that some dead cockroaches had been seen on the kitchen floor and on some equipment.

The restaurant declined to comment on the situation and it is unclear how long it will remain closed.