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Sheldrakes faces £11,000 bill after breaching food hygiene rules.

But court hears how Lower Heswall eaterie has upped its games since surprise inspection.

A top Wirral restaurant faces a bill of more than £11,000 after pleading guilty to food hygiene offences.

Owner of Sheldrakes, in Lower Heswall , Helen Demetrios said the restaurant was "overwhelmed" by renovation works and "fell below our own high standards".

But District Judge Michael Abelson said Wirral council food hygiene inspectors discovered "absolutely appalling conditions" during a surprise visit in January 2013.

During the hearing at Wirral Magistrates Court, in Birkenhead , prosecutor Ken Abrams said officers had found "evidence of rodent activity in the kitchen and food storage areas".

The restaurant pleaded guilty to five charges under the food hygiene regulations.

Judge Abelson said it was "not all bad news" for the restaurant which he said now looked, from more recent photographs, "like a hospital, gleaming".

But he added: "It's important the public see the courts take a serious view of this type offending."

He fined the restaurant £7,500 plus £3,745.99 costs.

Source Click me

Oh dear, and the restaurant is advertised on the council tourist website

I believe this is the very reason why restaurants and eateries were, once upon a time, not advertised in that way, because those who did advertise them could be sued!
Wouldn't be good if a group of Americans got food poisoning during their visit to the Open. Could be an expensive issue for the council.

Didn't think much of it anyway in recent years, after it was changed. Used to have a nice atmosphere for a drink.

With you there Granny. The atmosphere changed completely and they stopped cleaning the windows - one of their best assets - and that set the alarm bells ringing.

They used to own The St James Club (The Jimmies) in Birkenhead in the early 80's. You used to stick to the carpet it was damp in there, condensation would drip on your head. They got done then for fiddling the electric meter. Instead of being called Demetrios they used to be called de meters !! A piss take because of what they done, anybody remember The Jimmies ?

Never been there, but a friend (Vic) was chief bouncer at the Jimmies at one time

I remember Vic, big black fella, nobody messed with Vic..

Ive been there years ago, really surprised about this at it had such a good name.... things never change for the better. Theres NO excuse for filthy kitchens though and Im glad they have been shown up... eeeeek......

I remember the jimmmys just can't remember for sure were it was? Was it By Hamilton sq ?? Should start a new topic of all the "old night clubs "

it wasn't far from Hamilton Square, it was where the new houses are now opposite the NCP car park. (Back of Hamilton Square)

Owner says Sorry to customers Click me

Agree with both of you, it was really nice then suddenly went downhill. I pop in for a drink if I'm in that area and the weather's nice enough to sit outside, but I won't chance the food for fear of disappointment.

I think Sallybear was the first to mention something similar on Tripadvisor and everyone said the same.

We went for Sunday lunch with a couple of friends at the beginning of February and it was great - packed out but no delays in service - lovely roast (pig cheeks were one of the choices - really tender), great veg, excellent puds and a lovely view.

Maybe we were just lucky - but I would recommend it on that visit.

pigs cheeks --ugg we loved shellies for years but stopped when the menue got too alacart (that's posh for shit)

When we ate there it seemed that the owner was under extreme stress. She was shouting at the staff in front of the customers, very unprofessional. The food was not good either and big gaps waiting for service so part courses became cold.
I used to work in a job involving food hygiene in kitchens. It's all down to the manager.
I hope that she seriously considers employing a competent kitchen/general manager and sticks to reception and front of house