Colanna and Small’s, a well-known coffee shop in Bath, has defended its one-star Food Standards Agency (FSA) hygiene rating received in February 2025, expressing frustration over a delayed reinspection that has lasted more than a year. Despite numerous requests for a follow-up inspection, the café remains officially saddled with the low rating.
A spokesperson for Colanna and Small’s told Somerset Live, “This hygiene report was published over a year ago, and we have been eagerly awaiting a more up-to-date assessment. We have consistently applied for a reinspection through the council’s food safety portal but have yet to receive one.”
The coffee shop’s management explained that the one-star rating stemmed primarily from the council’s requirement to modify the use of a downstairs preparation and storage room. In response, they immediately renovated the space by installing a new floor and refurbishing the ceiling to meet the recommended standards.
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The spokesperson emphasized, “We are confident that our environment, systems, and processes adhere to good hygiene practice and anticipate receiving a significantly improved rating once reassessed.” They also described the initial one-star rating as “severe,” particularly considering certain positive aspects highlighted in the report.
Notably, the report rated Colanna and Small’s as ‘good’ for hygienic food handling, including food preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling, and storage. The cleanliness and condition of the building and facilities were also deemed ‘generally satisfactory.’
However, the management of food safety—covering monitoring procedures, staff awareness, and confidence in ongoing standards—was marked as needing “major improvements,” which impacted the overall rating.
Colanna and Small’s claim that the council has apologized for the handling of their case and has now requested an emergency visit to reassess the premises. Bath and North East Somerset Council have been contacted for comment on the matter.