Restaurant kitchens can I look before I sit down and eat?

Question

Does anyone know if there is some kind of legal entitlement that says that a customer has the right to check out a restaurant or hotel kitchen before they eat there.

Answer 1

Yes. You are legally entitled to check the kitchens. The owner's cannot legally stop you but they may prove awkward and attempt tp stop you. If this happens, what are they trying to hide?

Allow me to add, you cannot just barge in and demand to see the kitchen. A polite request is the better option.

Answer 2

any decent restaurant should have no problem letting you look   problem is would you have the nerve to ask    then again if you dont ask you dont get

Answer 3

Why would you want to do that?? If you don't like the look of the place - don't eat there.

I wouldn't have a problem with a customer seeing my kitchen, out of service times, but I would wonder why if it wasn't just for curiosity. All kitchens are bound by strict regulations, that have just been updated by the way, so the horror stories you see on the tv are few and far between and getting less and less.

And even if you did have a look, do you even know what you are looking for - you're not one of these wannabee chefs who has watched too much 'Kitchen nightmares' are you?

Answer 4

Having been a chef for many years the only people that could come in the kitchen were press and customers after they had eaten to meet us. Never before a meal. If its health and safety your worried about stick to restaurants with good reputations!

Answer 5

No  don't think so   ..

Answer 6

There are laws in place so you can get inspection reports, see:

http://www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk/

They don't seem to have data coverage everywhere, yet, though.

Answer 7

dont think so .. but then thats what all the guides are supposed to be for.. or word of mouth

having said all that i actually have a job that takes me into a few kitchens and people would be surprised at the state of some so called good restaurants !!

good luck .. i know what u worry about

Answer 8

No sorry Holly you can't.  It would be a huge hazard to health to allow customers to enter catering kitchens that cater for the general public.  This is why Environmental Health Officers inspect premises - so we don't have to.  You could ask but don't be surprised if the answer is no.  I would never let members of the public inspect my kitchens when I was trading - what makes them qualified to do so and how do I know they won't contaminate my food?  

Certain areas (Hull being one of them) now have 'scores on the doors' where establishments have to show their score from their last food hygiene inspection prominently at the entrance to the building.

Answer 9

yes you  can

Answer 10

I don't think so,but if the restaurant is proud of their establishment ,then they would welcome it.

Answer 11

YES! you are allowed to but do you really want to?

Answer 12

Can i look in your kitchen ???????

You nosey git !!!!!!!!!