20 customers struck down by viral bug
AN investigation has been launched after 20 customers were left feeling unwell after visiting a popular pub and restaurant.
A viral bug was believed to have been the cause of the sickness outbreak among patrons of the Brewhouse and Kitchen in Birmingham Road, Sutton Coldfield.
Visitors from at least three separate groups fell ill with a vomiting bug after going to the venue on Friday, March 3, it was reported.
Birmingham City Council’s food safety team confirmed it was investigating several compaints.
Operations manager Nick Lowe said the problem was believed to have been a viral infection rather than food poisoning.
He said: “Environmental health officers have been working with the company to ensure a robust infection reporting system is in place.”
Teacher Holly Brewer, who was among those who fell ill, said: “I and a friend suffered severe vomiting all day Sunday.
“I messaged the girls I was with and found that one of them was also ill.
“When I left a one star review on the Brewhouse’s Facebook site another customer who ate there on Friday said eight out of their party of 12 were also ill.
“Another person messaged me privately and asked what I’d eaten.
“The review section on the Facebook page was taken down around 20 minutes after I left my review.
“It affected a lot of people and I didn’t want it going unnoticed.”
Brewhouse and Kitchen executive chairman Kris Gumbrell said: “One thing we know for definite is it wasn’t food poisoning.
“The council’s environmental health officer said she had confidence in our business and thoroughly checked the premises and the paperwork.
“We will keep talking to the people who were poorly. “They are our priority. “We haven’t tried to cover this up.
“We take this stuff very, very seriously.
“We will be doing everything we can
“I am aware there was a staff member that was ill last week. If that person wasn’t fit they shouldn’t have returned to work. That’s part of the investigation.”
The council confirmed the Brewhouse’s five star food standards rating remained in place.