Southall pub fined £17,000 for bed bugs and cockroach infestations

The Old Oak Tree pub in Southall has been fined approximately £17,000 after Ealing Council environmental health officers found significant pest infestations and safety hazards. The company operating the pub, Old Oak Tree Pub Ltd., and its director, Darshan Singh Grewal, pleaded guilty to offences under the Public Health Act at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on July 28.

Pest infestations and safety hazards discovered

Concerns about the pub's conditions were first raised by members of the public in 2023. Subsequent investigations by Ealing Council officers revealed bed bugs in guest bedrooms and cockroaches present in the kitchen. In addition to the pest issues, inspectors identified several hazards that posed risks of slips, trips, and falls within the premises.

Despite receiving advice, warning letters, and legal notices from the council demanding improvements, the authority found that the problems were not adequately resolved. Follow-up visits by environmental health officers continued to identify ongoing issues.

Company and director admit offences

Old Oak Tree Pub Ltd. also failed to comply with a Health and Safety Improvement Notice related to the slip, trip, and fall risks. Both the company and Mr Grewal admitted the offences at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court. The court ordered Old Oak Tree Pub Ltd. to pay a fine of £4,800. Mr Grewal was fined £4,000 and received a criminal record. The total financial penalty, including a victim surcharge of £3,200 and prosecution costs of £5,000, amounted to approximately £17,000.

Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, Ealing Council's cabinet member for decent living incomes, stated that businesses have a legal duty to ensure safe and hygienic environments for everyone on their premises. She added that the council would not hesitate to take enforcement action when companies fail to meet basic legal obligations and put public health or safety at risk, especially after repeated failures over a long period.