Norovirus closes Michelin-starred Star Inn at Harome

The Michelin-starred Star Inn at Harome, near Helmsley, in North Yorkshire, has closed following an outbreak of norovirus.

The restaurant, which is run by proprietors Jacquie and Andrew Pern, has shut after more than 80 diners and several members of staff fell ill with the winter vomiting bug last month.

The Star Inn closed voluntarily on Monday (2 November) and Jacquie Pern said the closure was a precautionary measure.

“This a precautionary measure and indications are consistent with a virus, which is known to be widespread in the region,” she said.

“We are taking the matter very seriously and are co-operating with the health authorities. We are positive that all issues will be resolved soon and we will be able to return to our usual service standards.”

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said despite the presence of the virus, "a common cause of illness has not been confirmed".

The HPA added that it was working with Ryedale Council to investigate several cases of vomiting and diarrhoea connected to the restaurant.

Last month, Heston Blumenthal criticised the HPA for the handling of its report into the outbreak of norovirus at his three-Michelin-starred restaurant the Fat Duck.

Blumenthal, who closed the restaurant in Bray, Berkshire, for two weeks in February after more than 500 diners had fallen ill, said the hospitality industry needed more support when handling crises such a norovirus outbreak.

Heston Blumenthal criticises Health Protection Agency at Chef Conference >>

Heston Blumenthal will not face legal action over norovirus outbreak >>

Andrew Pern >>

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By Kerstin Kühn

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