Lawyers Call For Answers As More Than 40 People Are Struck By Outbreak

Answers are needed regarding a norovirus outbreak at Heston Blumenthal’s central London restaurant, 'Dinner', which has affected more than 40 people, according to lawyers who specialise in helping victims of food poisoning.

Reports have revealed 24 diners and 21 staff members had fallen ill at the restaurant, based at the Mandarin Oriental hotel on Hyde Park.

The site is now expected to be closed for a week following the problems, which come about five years after the chef’s Fat Duck restaurant in Bray, Berkshire was closed as a result of a similar outbreak.

The chef told the Mail on Sunday that his personal experience and knowledge of the virus meant he knew that it was best to “err on the side of extreme caution”, with the closure being welcomed by food safety experts at Westminster City Council.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist illness lawyers have helped thousands of people gain answers and justice as a result of outbreaks in hotels and holiday resorts across the globe.

Expert Opinion

News of these problems is very concerning and it is welcome to see steps have been taken to prevent further customers or staff members from being affected.

"Through our work acting for a huge number of illness victims, we have seen both how frustrating such issues can be and also the long-term health problems which can be caused – with some people never fully recovering from such outbreaks.

"All of those affected by this issue will want answers regarding how this was caused and what is being done to stop this from happening again. People eating at a restaurant of this calibre would expect the highest standards to be upheld in all aspects – including in terms of hygiene.

"It is vital that lessons can be learned from this as this may assist to mitigate the risk of such problems happening again." Suki Chhokar - Partner