A rat-infested Chinese takeaway has been ordered to shut down after inspectors found the premises in a “filthy condition”.

The “widespread rat infestation” was uncovered at Dover’s Red House takeaway when hygiene officers visited recently.

Dover District Council (DDC) has now slapped a damning hygiene emergency prohibition notice on the business’ front.

“There is evidence of a widespread rat infection, food not being protected against contamination and the premises being in a filthy condition,” the notice says.

The notice served on March 22 states its environmental health department will apply for a court order banning food-related activity and trade.

As the operator’s business Park Place Takeaway was formed in 2023 the recent inspection was its first, meaning there was no official food hygiene rating.

Currently, the Park Place food spot enjoys a 4.5-star customer rating on JustEat from 783 reviews.

Reacting to the closure, customer Sarah Bath said it was a shame to hear about Red House’s rat struggles.

“I've eaten from there for years, never had an issue, one of the best Chinese [takeaways] I've had,” she said on social media.

However, praise for the takeaway was not forthcoming from all residents, with Carol Mccluskey remarking: “Idiots, they must have known they had rats.

“How can they carry on serving people knowing that? Disgusting.”

Hayden Oatridge added: “Let’s be honest, if you are willing to improve and change your hygiene standards then the authorities will keep you going and steer you in the right direction without shutting you down.

“[It] seems like the owners wouldn’t listen or accept the findings so they have been pinned on the door for all to see.”

A Dover District Council spokesperson said the takeaway will only be allowed to reopen when “the health risk no longer exists”.

“Our team undertook a routine food hygiene inspection of the Red House takeaway on Friday, March 22.

“Officers found the premises to be in a filthy and poor condition, with evidence of a rat infestation throughout, and food not protected against contamination.

“A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served requiring the food business to stop using the premises immediately.

“The premises will be able to reopen once authorised food safety officers are satisfied that sufficient work has been undertaken by the business to ensure the health risk no longer exists.”

Red House has been contacted for comment.