AN OXFORD restaurant forced to temporarily close after inspectors found evidence of a mouse infestation and ‘heavy fly activity’ has been given a new lower food hygiene rating.

My Sichuan, located in the Grade II-listed The Old School in Gloucester Green, was shut on September 2 when a customer complaint prompted a surprise visit by members of Oxford City Council's health team.

'Widespread’ evidence of a mouse infestation and ‘heavy fly activity’ was found, which the authority said posed a significant risk of food contamination.

The business, which opened in 2010, at the time held a three-star rating, meaning standards were judged to be 'generally satisfactory', based on a routine inspection in May, 2018.

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A hygiene emergency prohibition notice was issued requiring immediate closure of the restaurant and following a hearing at Oxford Magistrates Court on September 6 the court issued a formal closure order.

The restaurant has now been given a one-star score, the second lowest possible rating, which means 'major improvement necessary'.

Oxford Mail:

A notice sent to restaurant confirming the score stated: “The premises are rated based on my inspection of September 2, 2019, when an emergency prohibition notice and schedule of works was served. A further revisit was carried out on September 16."

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It highlighted issues with initial steps to pest-proof the building, adding: “Please note that the use of foam filler for pest proofing should be considered a temporary measure. This is because it is a surface which will collect grease and dirt and it cannot be easily cleaned.

“You must work towards replacing foam material with one which is smooth, durable and easy to clean.”

The restaurant, which has since reopened, was contacted to see if these issues had been addressed but no one was available for comment.

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The business's website claims My Sichuan is the first restaurant in the city offering authentic dishes from the Chinese province.

It adds: “We are the largest Sichuanese restaurant in the UK with 260 comfortable seats, thus we are capable serving all activities and for large groups. You can enjoy delicious food and appreciate the historic site at the same time."

Reviews on Trip Advisor are mixed for the business, which is rated as 3.5 out of five stars.

In 2014, My Sichuan was reviewed by The Guardian's Jay Rayner, who called the food 'so compelling and such good value I can’t help myself'.