“Filthy” conditions and a chef with unclean hands were some of the reasons a cocktail and tapas bar was given a 1/5 food hygiene rating.

Marcel's, a “Gatsby inspired” bar that opened in The Parade last November, needed “major improvement” after an inspection on March 30.

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The Watford Observer submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request after the Enviormental Health team at Watford Borough Council stated the management of food safety required “major improvement” and the hygienic food handling needed “improvement”.

A report reveals that six legal requirements were issued.

Unfit food that is “not to be used for human consumption” must be clearly marked to not use, after inspectors found issues with stock control and some items being past their use by date.

Inspectors also noted that the chef did not wash his hands, with the wash hand basin being “dirty” and without soap.

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Other issues highlighted include blue roll used to wipe the temperature probe instead of it being disinfected and the chef not knowing how to prepare dishes for customers with allergen concerns.

The owners of Marcel’s were approached for comment.