Grillicious Peri Chicken, Middlesbrough, rating improved

Grillicious Peri Chicken, located on Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, saw its rating of zero – the worst possible outcome – change to a four star rating just two months later after addressing raw chicken problems, amongst others.

The initial inspection that saw the establishment slapped with the lowest possible rating – urgent improvement necessary – was undertaken on December 16, 2025.

Concerns highlighted in the inspector’s report included “significant structural issues” and an “imminent risk of injury to health”. The premises was “voluntarily” closed and a week later, on December 23, a revisit was carried out, at which point approval to reopen was granted.

Two months later, on February 26, a re-rating was undertaken, which described standards as improving since the previous visit, while a few structural items needed “to be addressed”.

The four star rating translates as “good” in the latest report, and is one ranking away from the highest possible rating of five.

Inspections were carried out by Middlesbrough Council officers, who were concerned by what they found in their initial December inspection.

Various issues were criticised, such as water from an “unidentified source” leaking from the ceiling onto surfaces and equipment in the food preparation area, presenting a “serious risk” of contamination, while the ceiling was described as being in a “state of disrepair”.

Raw chicken was also identified as not being safely thawed – presenting a risk of bacterial growth.

Other issues included pizza boxes being stored uncovered “in direct contact” with raw egg shells, while cooked chicken was being stored next to raw, marinated chicken. 26 items/areas were described as being dirty, including the griddle, shelf surfaces in the food rooms, and work benches used to prepare food.

There was no soap at the washbasin of the staff toilet, and the gully in the rear yard was blocked, causing “an accumulation of waste water and food waste”, the report explained.

With regards to health and safety on the Middlebsrough premises, water was described as “leaking through the light fittings”, while the boiler was “in a poor state of repair”.

On a more positive note, the food standards – regarding labelling and presentation of food – was deemed satisfactory across the board.

By the time of the re-rating, in February this year, hygiene practices were rated as good, although one concern raised by inspectors was there was a suitcase stored within the cooked chicken preparation area, described as a “source of potential contamination”.

The cleanliness and condition of the premises, equipment and facilities was rated as satisfactory, as concerns included a peeling wall surface, a dirty toilet door and a build up of carbon and grease within the extraction canopy ducting.

A good level of compliance was found within the management of food safety category and this contributed to the overall four star rating that Grillicious now sits with.

The establishment serves kebabs, parmos and all things peri-chicken and was contacted for comment.