The Top Secret Comedy Club in Covent Garden, a well-known fixture on London's comedy scene, has been handed a low food hygiene rating of 1 out of 5 by the Food Standards Agency, signalling that "major improvement is necessary." The venue, famed for its intimate atmosphere and surprise appearances by top British comedians such as Jack Whitehall, Romesh Ranganathan, and Russell Howard, has been found wanting in several critical areas of cleanliness and pest control.
Environmental health inspectors conducted assessments in September and uncovered evidence of mice activity in the bar area on two separate occasions. The official report highlighted "droppings noted on surface / in the bar," prompting immediate calls for deep cleaning of all food and drink areas. The club was instructed to enlist professional pest control services to undertake a full site survey and implement effective rodent proofing measures to prevent further access.
Inspectors also expressed concern about the use of open bait trays within the vicinity of food and drink service areas, deeming this practice inappropriate and potentially hazardous to customers. The state of the premises was criticised for general untidiness, including sticky floors and, notably, a "very dirty / mouldy" ice machine—a core component of bar service—raising questions about the hygiene of drinks served.
Despite the venue not operating a kitchen and instead permitting patrons to bring their own takeaway food, the bar and drink service remain subject to food safety regulations. The low rating indicates substantial deficiencies in maintaining acceptable standards.
Situated mere moments from the West End theatres, the Top Secret Comedy Club has gained a reputation as a cult favourite, offering low ticket prices and the chance to see high-profile comedians testing new material in an intimate setting. The club often features unannounced appearances by renowned performers such as Katherine Ryan, Seann Walsh, and international stars like Louis CK.
Owner Mark Rothman, previously in the headlines for instituting a ban on guests who have undergone Botox treatments—intended to encourage more animated audience reactions—commented on the challenges faced by performers. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Rothman said, "I've had numerous complaints from performers who find it increasingly challenging to gauge audience engagement and bounce off their reactions." Rothman described the Botox ban as a "last resort" aimed at reintroducing facial expressiveness to the audience for the benefit of both comedians and attendees.
The Botox ban sparked reactions from comedians such as Jimmy Carr, who recently debuted a noticeably altered appearance attributed to cosmetic "tweakments." Speaking to Radio Times, Carr remarked, "I would look surprised, if I could. Does that mean Katherine Ryan and I can no longer play the club? Because we're mostly Botox." He acknowledged the measure as a "fun PR stunt" but noted its resonance with the idea that attending live comedy is a performative experience, with audience reactions playing a pivotal role alongside the performer on stage.
Despite the current hygiene issues, the venue remains open and trading while it addresses the concerns raised by environmental health authorities. The Food Standards Agency's scoring spans from 0, indicating urgent improvement necessary, up to 5 for very good, placing the club's rating dangerously close to the lowest possible.
The recent report sheds light on the behind-the-scenes challenges at a beloved comedy hotspot, focusing attention on its responsibilities regarding cleanliness and customer safety alongside its reputation for nurturing stand-up talent. The Top Secret Comedy Club has yet to provide a detailed public response to the hygiene report.
Source: Noah Wire Services