United fan’s beloved Cafe fined over rat ‘infestation’

A popular ‘United Café’ – which has no affiliation with Manchester United Football Club – has been fined more than £10,000 for breaching food safety rules.

Director Sean Stokes, 56, pled guilty to the breaches following an investigation by Trafford Council.

The prosecution followed evidence of rat activity at the cafe, including gnawed potatoes found in food preparation and storage areas at the dirty premises, and the serving of a burger containing gluten to an undercover officer declaring an allergy.

When officers visited in August 2024, they discovered the business, operated by Café United Ltd, had not made accurate daily checks for rats, as required under hazard procedures, recording the site as pest-free even though a rat infestation was present. 

The cafe closed voluntarily for eight days to address the issues but when undercover officers visited again in November, on a sampling visit to check compliance with allergen legislation, they were served a burger containing gluten, though they had declared a gluten allergy.

Stokes, 56, of Bury New Road, Whitefield, Manchester, and Café United Ltd pleaded guilty to breaches of food safety legislation. Café United Ltd was fined £8,000 with costs of £1,000 awarded and Stokes was fined £1,048 with a surcharge of £419.

The reaction of United fans has been mixed, with many shocked, with one fan stating on X: “Been past many times and never fancied it. Some places (you) can just tell by looking at it.” 

Cllr Rose Thompson, Trafford Council’s executive member for communities and safety, said: “Visitors and residents in Trafford have the right to expect good standards of hygiene, and reliable advice on ingredients, from any food outlet that trades in our borough. 

“This prosecution shows that we will not hesitate to take action where standards fall short of what is acceptable. Thanks to our environmental health team for pursuing this case and bringing this business and its director to court. It is a clear warning that substantial fines can be issued to businesses that risk putting people’s health at risk.”