CLYDACH: Indian takeaway shut down immediately after rat infestation found by food hygiene inspectors

Swansea Council has shut down a village takeaway after inspectors discovered what they described as a significant rat infestation during a food hygiene visit.

Clydach Tandoori, on Hebron Road in Clydach, was issued with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice following the inspection on Monday, 18 May — giving the council the power to close the premises immediately on public health grounds.

A notice placed on the window of the Indian takeaway confirmed that an active and significant rodent infestation had been identified at the premises, evidenced by the discovery of a dead rodent and a significant quantity of droppings.

The notice, signed by an environmental health officer, also described the premises as filthy.

A court order has since been granted, giving the council the legal powers to keep Clydach Tandoori closed until the health risk has been fully addressed.

A Swansea Council spokesperson said: “During a recent food hygiene inspection visit, our officers identified a significant rat infestation which prompted the issuing of a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.”

The spokesperson added that the notice enabled the council to close the premises immediately because of the serious and immediate risk to public health.

The takeaway will not be permitted to reopen until inspectors are satisfied that sufficient improvements have been made to protect anyone consuming food from the premises.

A follow-up inspection will be arranged to assess whether the required changes have been carried out.

Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notices are one of the most serious enforcement tools available to local authority environmental health teams, and can be issued without advance warning where an immediate public health risk is identified.

They are distinct from the routine food hygiene rating system and require a court order to remain in force beyond the initial closure — a step the council has now taken in this case.

Clydach Tandoori has been contacted for comment.

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Swansea Chef Secures Double Award Win

The back-to-back accolades place the Swansea restaurant firmly among the very best in Wales and the wider UK, recognising both its refined dining experience and its commitment to authentic Indian cuisine.

“To win both Fine Dining of the Year and Asian Restaurant of the Year is something I’m incredibly proud of,” said Raj Chowdhury, founder and head chef of Raj Kitchen.

“We’re just focused on doing what we love every day, cooking from the heart and trying to give people an authentic dining experience, and I’m humbled by the recognition we’re getting,” he continued.

Since opening in December 2023, Raj Kitchen has quickly established itself as one of Swansea’s most talked-about restaurants. 

Located on the site of the former Pizza Express and overlooking Swansea Castle, the venue offers 60 covers downstairs and 70 upstairs, blending a modern dining space with a strong sense of tradition.

That tradition sits at the heart of everything Raj Kitchen does. The menu is built around original recipes, many of them passed down through Raj’s family. Every meal is prepared from scratch using fresh ingredients and carefully balanced spices, with no pre-made pastes or shortcuts.

Signature dishes such as the Chicken Paneer Butter Masala and the Lamb Kala Bhuna, based on Raj’s mother’s recipe and enhanced with soaked tea-leaf water, remain at the core of the menu and have become favourites among regular guests.

The latest double win adds to an already impressive run of success for Raj Kitchen. Over the past year, Raj has been crowned Wales Chef of the Year at the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards and has retained his Regional Chef of the Year title at the Welsh ARTAs for a second consecutive year.

“It means so much to see people enjoy the food and the atmosphere we’ve created. When guests come back and tell us how much they’ve loved it, that’s what really matters. The awards are amazing, but it’s the people who support us that make it all worthwhile,” reflected Raj.

With a team of nine staff and a growing reputation, Raj Kitchen is not standing still. Plans are already underway to open an additional site, while the long-term ambition remains clear, with sights set on achieving an AA Rosette and continuing to raise the standard of Indian dining in Wales.

“This is a team effort. Everyone works incredibly hard, and we all share the same standards and passion. These awards belong to all of us,” added Raj.

As recognition continues to grow and the awards keep coming, Raj Kitchen’s story is quickly becoming one of the most compelling in Welsh hospitality. 

Built on family, flavour and consistency, it is a success story that shows no sign of slowing down.

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Two much‑loved Llanelli restaurants close on the same day as customers share heartbreak

The Bryngwyn in Pwll, a family‑run favourite for more than 20 years, told customers this afternoon that its temporary January shutdown would now become permanent. The restaurant had closed on New Year’s Day, blaming rising costs and a quiet start to the year, but today confirmed it would not reopen.

The announcement triggered a wave of emotion online, with more than 200 comments from customers sharing memories of birthdays, anniversaries and family gatherings held at the restaurant.

Joanne Palmer said her family had enjoyed “so many lovely meals” over the last decade, recalling how staff were “amazing” when they celebrated her father’s 80th birthday. Sarah Jayne Davies described The Bryngwyn as one of her family’s “favourite places”, while Teresa Kelly said it had been “a big part of Pwll for many years”.

Others spoke of the personal significance the venue held. Carla Walters said it had been her late mother’s favourite restaurant, with every family celebration held there. “It’s an end of an era for our family,” she wrote. “You will be missed.”

But in a double blow for the town’s hospitality scene, long‑established Indian restaurant Ali Raj also confirmed its closure today — marking the end of 26 years in business. The owners posted a simple video of the lights being switched off for the final time.

The reaction was immediate and heartfelt. Keith Thomas said he was “absolutely gutted”, calling Ali Raj his go‑to place for a fantastic meal. Jeff Evans described it as an “awesome restaurant” with attentive staff, while Sandra Davies said it had felt like “a second home”.

Many customers spoke of decades of memories. Eileen Milligan thanked the team for “happy memories” and friendships formed over the years. Alma Davies said she had been going there for 26 years, calling it her favourite Indian restaurant. Cheryl North said she and her family had been regulars since the first weeks of opening, becoming close friends with the owners.

The closures come amid mounting pressure on the hospitality sector, with rising costs, staffing challenges and changing customer habits hitting independent businesses across Wales. For many in Llanelli, today’s announcements mark the loss of two venues that shaped family traditions, celebrations and community life.

As customers continue to share memories and messages of thanks, both restaurants leave behind loyal followings — and a sense that a chapter of Llanelli’s dining scene has come to an end.

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Swansea restaurant boss dishes up festive kindness with hot meals for homeless

The owner of Rasoi Indian Kitchen in Pontlliw and Rasoi Waterfront in SA1 delivered almost 50 freshly cooked meals on Wednesday 17 December to two city projects run by homelessness charity The Wallich.

The meals were shared at the Gorwelion Project on Gore Terrace and the Ty Tom Jones Project on Alexandra Road, both of which provide safe accommodation and vital support for people who have experienced, or are at risk of, homelessness.

“Christmas is about kindness”

Speaking about the gesture, Suki said:

“No one should feel forgotten at this time of year. Christmas is about kindness, and we hope that a warm meal helps bring some comfort to people who really deserve a moment of joy. Our staff were amazing as always — they jumped at the chance to get involved and we’re proud to continue to support our community in this way.”

Rasoi staff and volunteers stand behind a buffet of freshly prepared Indian dishes, ready to serve hot meals to people experiencing homelessness in Swansea.

Charity hails timely boost

Staff at The Wallich said Rasoi’s gesture offered a welcome lift at one of the toughest times of year.

Mark Winston, Area Manager for The Wallich, said:

“Christmas can be an especially challenging and emotional time for people who have experienced homelessness. Acts of kindness like this remind people that their community cares about them. We’re incredibly grateful to Rasoi for stepping in once again to support our projects in Swansea.”

Rasoi’s reputation for giving back

Rasoi’s ongoing commitment to community support has earned the restaurants a reputation for generosity, with regular backing for local charities and initiatives throughout the year.

Suki added:

“It really is our pleasure and ethos to give back to our local community, and we are so grateful to help a very deserving cause. We hope this helps to raise awareness of the excellent work being carried out by The Wallich here in our city — especially at this time of year.”

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