A “dirty” cafe has shut down following the discovery of rat droppings in the kitchen just months after the owner pledged to clean up the place.

The Blue and White Cafe near Ashford had already been handed a one-star food hygiene rating after inspectors discovered a catalogue of failures in March.

But the Smeeth-based diner has now been hit with zero stars - the worst grading possible - following a reinspection that uncovered the presence of rodents.

Inspectors warned the owner in their latest report: “You must contact your pest control for treatment.

“Ensure that every hole and cap is sealed off, [and] deep clean to avoid contamination.”

Describing the reason for the temporary closure, they added: “Widespread rat droppings in the kitchen/preparation areas.

“Rat droppings by the wash-up sink. Rat dropping by the roast area under equipment.”

Photos contained within the report show pictures of the mess and smudge marks behind a pressure washer and on the carvery floor.

The report said: “Next to the shelving unit in the corner of the kitchen area, evidence found of rat droppings, urine, a gnawed tomato and general debris.”

Bosses at the cafe on the A20 volunteered to bring the shutters down after the Food Standards Agency (FSA) downgraded the eatery.

Following the latest visit on October 4, inspectors commented on the “poor track record” of the management team and highlighted a significant risk of food contamination, which placed customers at risk of E. coli and salmonella.

As many as 19 pictures were included to show the areas affected by rat droppings, with a tomato gnawed by vermin still sitting under one of the counters.

Inspectors believed the rodent access point was situated under the sink in the washing-up area.

Exterior drains were also overflowing at the time of the visit as inspectors noted the “pungent” smell, while “the drains and pipes had a bubbling noise which was audible at the time of the visit”.

In general, the cleanliness of the cafe was found to require urgent improvement, with cooking areas and ventilation hoods having a build-up of grease.

Water used in a bain-marie – also known as a double boiler – was left in from the last service, with insects found floating on the surface.

Food debris was found under the grill, cooking units and unused hot holding units – while dust and dirt were found in both the kitchen and dining areas.

Some food debris was swept up and left in the passageway between the food prep and washing up areas – with FSA workers advising “this should be disposed of immediately”.

Ready-to-eat cheese was prepared on a dirty chopping board alongside unclean sinks and filthy utensils.

Stacks of frozen sausages were left out in the open – though these were moved into the freezer during the inspection.

The need for repairs to be made to the floor was flagged, with the current damage of the tiles preventing suitable cleaning from taking place.

Staff clothing, including a discarded sandal, were found in and around the preparation areas, with no changing room facilities available for cafe workers.

One such item - a coat - was found to be covering some of the fire safety equipment, with questions raised over whether or not extinguishers in the eatery had been serviced.

There were also no hand-drying facilities at the time of the inspection, while it was claimed the wash hand basin “was not easily accessible”.

Previously, owner Aman Hundal promised to turn the cafe around after March’s original inspection.

Speaking at the time, he told KentOnline the damning report would serve as motivation to get things back on track after inspectors called the cafe “dirty and greasy”.

“It is not the fact that the food has gone downhill. It is more the paperwork side of things," he said.

“We’re trying to do exactly what they want and it is nothing major.

“We have never had any reports of food poisoning or rodents.

“In a way, I was happy we got the ‘one’ as it made me more motivated.

“I’ve had businesses for about 10 years and I’ve never had a rating less than a ‘four’.”

KentOnline has contacted the owner regarding the latest inspection but has yet to receive a response.