One of Plymouth’s best-known Italian restaurants has closed its doors for good following a damning food hygiene inspection.
Bella Italia at the Barbican Leisure Park has permanently closed, the company confirmed, after inspectors found “urgent improvement necessary” in its management of food safety.
The inspection, carried by Plymouth City Council, gave the site one of the lowest possible food hygiene ratings. Inspectors flagged three areas of concern, including:
- Hygienic food handling: Improvement necessary
- Cleanliness and condition of facilities: Major improvement necessary
- Management of food safety: Urgent improvement necessary
The findings meant the restaurant was ranked among the lowest-rated food businesses in Plymouth for hygiene.
The full rating was made public on the Food Standards Agency website, and local authorities are empowered to act if serious public health concerns are found.
In a statement on their website, Bella Italia said:
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of our Bella Italia restaurant in Plymouth.
"We want to take this moment to thank you for your loyalty, your laughter, and the many memories you've helped us create over the years.”
They added that customers could still visit their nearby branch in Exeter or sister brand Frankie & Benny’s in Plymouth.
The closure is a significant blow for Barbican Leisure Park, which has seen a number of high-profile exits in recent years. Local customers reacted with disappointment online, while others raised concerns over food safety.
Plymouth Plus has contacted Plymouth City Council for further comment.
Bella Italia, which once had locations across the UK, has faced wider financial and operational pressures in recent years.
The closure of the Plymouth restaurant follows a trend of site reductions across the casual dining sector post-pandemic.
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