An Indian restaurant in Southall has been recognised by Ealing Council after dramatically improving its food hygiene standards.

Shahi Haweli, located on South Road, has received the council’s High Five award and now holds the top food hygiene rating of five stars. The award highlights businesses that were previously not fully compliant with regulations but have since made significant progress.

The recognition reflects months of work to raise standards and meet required food safety regulations

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Support to raise standards

The restaurant underwent its first hygiene inspection in March 2024, shortly after opening. As a new business adapting to UK food safety laws, it initially struggled to meet all requirements and was rated non-compliant.

To help improve performance, the council stepped in with tailored support, offering staff training, detailed written guidance and practical food safety tools.

Following several follow-up visits and the implementation of recommended improvements, the restaurant went on to achieve the highest possible five-star hygiene rating.

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Advisory service supporting local firms

Ealing Council introduced its food safety advisory service in 2023 to help businesses facing challenges with compliance. Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the initiative has focused particularly on supporting food outlets in Southall and across the borough.

Advisors work with businesses to ensure they understand legal responsibilities, including temperature control, food labelling, monitoring procedures and hygiene management systems — all areas assessed during official inspections.

Since the service launched in July 2023, around 800 food businesses have received guidance, with many improving their hygiene scores as a result.

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Setting an example

Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, cabinet member for decent living incomes, congratulated Shahi Haweli on its achievement, noting its progress from a one-star rating to five stars.

She said the improvement demonstrates how effective the advisory programme can be in helping local businesses strengthen food safety standards and serve as a positive example within the community.