City café reacts to food hygiene rating in Derby: 'Nearby empty buildings are challenge for struggling high street'
Independent coffee brand BEAR respond to food hygiene rating for its Iron Gate store in Derby
Independent coffee and lifestyle brand BEAR has responded to the publication of a zero star food hygiene rating, dated July 14, 2025, for its Iron Gate store in Derby’s historic Cathedral Quarter.
BEAR say the inspection and subsequent rating followed the identification of pest activity in the store - the result of a localised environmental issue linked to neighbouring vacant and unmanaged properties.
BEAR go on to add: ‘These surrounding buildings, which no longer benefit from active maintenance or control measures, have created challenges for businesses still operating in the area’.
Craig Bunting, Co-Founder of BEAR, said: “We acknowledge the recent rating and accept that it reflects a situation that didn’t meet the standards we hold ourselves to.
“Activity was identified in our store, and while this was triggered by issues originating from neighbouring vacant properties which no longer have pest control measures in place, we know we could have moved faster to strengthen our defences against it.
“With the support of Environmental Health Officers, we acted decisively and voluntarily closed the store to carry out a full review, implementing a thorough programme of long-term solutions.
“The issue has now been fully resolved, and the store has been operating safely and confidently in the weeks since reopening, with all remedial work completed, approved and signed off by EHO.”
Since the inspection, BEAR say it has:
● Partnered with Vergo, a new expert environmental health provider
● Increased the frequency of on-site treatments and monitoring
● Made structural improvements to prevent further external intrusion
● Worked closely with Derby City Council and EHO to improve conditions within the wider surrounding environment
“As a young and growing brand, this was the first time we’ve faced a challenge of this kind,” Bunting added.
“We’ve taken it as an opportunity to learn and to strengthen our operations - not just at Iron Gate, but across the entire BEAR business.
“We will continue working with local authorities to help improve conditions in the surrounding vacant properties - a wider challenge faced by many independent businesses still operating on struggling UK high streets.”
DerbyWorld understands a revisit is already being arranged with Environmental Health Officers which should take place over the coming weeks.
BEAR say the team is confident that the updated rating will reflect the high standards now firmly in place.
In the meantime, BEAR’s Derbion store continues to operate with a 5-star food hygiene rating.
BEAR say this is a strong reflection of the quality, care, and consistency the brand is committed to delivering across all of its locations.