First Dates restaurant gets grim hygiene score as mould and out-of-date food found
First Dates films at The Botanist in Bath (Image: Channel 4)
The Botanist in Bath, the restaurant used as the filming location for Channel 4’s First Dates, has been given a three-out-of-five food hygiene rating after an inspection found mould, raw food spillages and out-of-date items, including eight burrata cheeses.
A Food Standards Agency official found mould and raw food spillages in the venue’s kitchen. The inspection write-up said juices from uncooked food had spilled into a fridge and become “very mouldy”.
A Food Standards Agency reviewer wrote, according to The Sun: “The raw food service fridge had spillages that were very mouldy – ensure you have a structured approach to cleaning.”
The same reviewer added: “The walls in the chiller were particularly mouldy.”
The inspection also found eight burrata cheeses had passed their use-by dates. The Botanist Bath was rated “generally satisfactory” in two of the three categories examined.
The Botanist did not reply to The Sun’s request for comment, while First Dates reportedly declined to comment.
First Dates at The Botanist in Bath
The Botanist in Bath has been the home of First Dates since 2024. Hosted by Fred Sirieix, the show sees people matched up on blind dates before they decide whether they want to see each other again. Other regular stars include bartender Merlin Griffiths and waitress Cici Coleman.
The Botanist is a UK bar-and-restaurant brand known for botanical-themed cocktails and an Instagram-friendly interior style, and the Bath venue’s Octagon Chapel setting is often highlighted as a distinctive dining location thanks to it being a grade II listed building.
On its website, The Botanist Bath says: “The Botanist Bath sets the scene for those looking for love with the help of Fred, Merlin and their team of cupids.”
Queer representation on First Dates
Over the years, First Dates, which started in June 2013, has featured a number of LGBTQ+ daters.
Of course, as with all reality television, sometimes things get messy. In a 2019 episode, Georgia and Georga were paired up, but Georga revealed Georgia had actually dated her niece before.
But sometimes things go very well. Trans dater Steph Kyriacou told PinkNews in 2024 that his appearance was “one of the best dates” he’d ever had.
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
