Rat faeces was found in the kitchen of Marco Pierre White’s Leicester Square restaurant.
Inspectors found rodent droppings on “a table in the ‘afternoon tea’ kitchen,” on dishcloths that “may be used to wipe down equipment”, and in a box which was in contact with ice-cream bowls.
Mr White’s was ordered to temporarily close over an "imminent risk to public health" after the July visit, sparked by a member of the public’s complaint.
The “luxurious” steakhouse is understood to be working to improve its ‘zero’ food hygiene rating and was served a schedule of works to fix the issues raised.
The franchise is part of Marco Pierre White’s culinary empire and opened in late 2021. White was the first British chef to be awarded three Michelin stars.
He lends his name to the venue through the franchising arm of Black and White Hospitality, of which he is an "active shareholder".
A food hygiene report, obtained by the Standard under Freedom of Information laws, also raised concerns about how food was being defrosted on the day of the visit, a lack of hot water to the hand wash taps, and an “inadequate” level of cleaning in the kitchen.
It ordered the business to fix an issue with water leaking onto electrical sockets in the basement, and the fire door being jammed.
Inspectors said: “From your pest control site visit records and evidence at the time of my inspection, I note that rat and mice activity has been identified in your premises, this was in the form of droppings throughout the kitchens and basement.
“Appropriate treatment methods must be used to eliminate these pests.”
The restaurant did not respond to requests for comment before publication. White's agency said it was a matter for Black and White Hospitality.
Its website states: "Marco is the self-described composer behind this exciting and growing business.
"Marco's DNA runs through the whole Black and White Hospitality operation. All menus, dishes and new and evolving brands run through Marco's hands."
Four other Marco Pierre White venues operate in the capital, including the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill in King's Cross, and Mr White's English Chophouse in Whitechapel.
White earned his name in the London's culinary scene by starting out as a chef at Le Gavroche in Mayfair, and then opening up Harvey's in Wandsworth Common, where he trained Gordon Ramsay.
He retired from cooking in 1999 before co-founding the franchising company which bears his name with hotelier, Nick Taplin.
