Celebrity chef’s restaurant loved by middle class diners voluntarily closes due to ‘serious cockroach infestation’

Six by Nico’s Oxford restaurant has closed after the city council issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice over a serious cockroach infestation. The notice says contamination could pose an imminent risk to health, and the council plans to seek a formal order from magistrates.

The restaurant group says it closed voluntarily when the pest issue was identified, brought in external experts and followed their advice. It disputes the council’s account of communications, is taking legal advice and says the Oxford branch will stay closed until further notice; customers with bookings are being contacted. The article also notes customer complaints at several branches about service, hygiene and food.