Inspectors also discovered a dead mouse behind the freezer of Peppers Burgers in Walton Street, Jericho.

Ryan Cobb, principal lead officer for food safety at Oxford City Council, descrbied the burger bar as being an “imminent risk to health” after what was found inside.

The eatery, which was formerly described as a “rite of passage” for new arrivals in Oxford, was shut down on March 31.

Peppers Burgers in Walton Street (Image: Google)

The restaurant was a burger bar

In a notice, Mr Cobb said: “There was evidence of a serious mouse infestation throughout the premises.

“A dead mouse was found behind a chest freezer in the food storage rooms leading to the kitchen.

“Large numbers of mouse droppings were evident in the kicthen, rear food storage rooms and in the lobby to the WC.

READ MORE: Two dogs including bulldog and akita seized after covapoo killed

“Gaps sufficient size for rodents to pass were evident around pipework, skirting boards and through the kitchen floor to the basement.

“In the kitchen, mouse droppings were evident under the sinks, around the pizza oven and on the shelf used to store paper for wrapping high risk ready to eat foods.

Peppers Burgers in Walton Street, Oxford (Image: Submitted)

Peppers Burgers in Walton Street, Oxford (Image: Submitted)

“In the food storage rooms large numbers of mouse droppings were evident under equipment and freezers.

“The staff in control of the business were unable to provide any food safety management procedures, records or evidence any formal pest control checks including a professionsal pest control contract.”

During a visit, Food Standards Agency officials visited Peppers Burgers and gave it just one out of five on its overall standards – a rating described as “major improvement” needed.

Inspectors said at the time that major improvements must be made to systems or checks to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat.

The takeaway must also provide evidence that staff know about food safety, and the food safety officer has confidence that standards will be maintained in future.

Mr Cobb added: “No food safe sanitiser or food safe disinfectant were found in the premises to remove pathogenic bacteria carried by mice.

“There is an imminent risk of contamination of food, food packing, food contact surfaces and food equipment which is likely to result in food poisoning and transmission of many other communicable disease.”

Peppers Burger had enjoyed successful reviews on Google to achieve a 4.8 star rating overall.

Neil Misra said in a review just a week ago: “Excellent veggie burgers, and the variety of customizable sauces/condiments they have is fantastic. Cool Oxford-themed wall art inside.”

But nine months ago, one reviewer named Rebecca Calu claimed she ordered a veggie burger and “got food poisoning”, adding in her review: “Please be careful.”

A five-month-old cavapoo, a crossbreed of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a poodle, was “mauled to death” in West Bar Street, Banbury on Good Friday.

Owner Eddie Reeves said the attack happened “in an instant” and described there being “blood all over me and our baby”.

Thames Valley Police were called to the attack and have seized the two dogs part of the attack – including an American Akita and a French Bulldog.

French Bulldog

Mr Reeves, who is also a Cherwell district councillor, warned people with babies or small dogs to stay ‘well away’ from an address in West Bar Street.

He said: “Our darling cavapoo, Coco, has just been mauled to death while walking in town with our five-month-old baby.

“It happened in an instant. There is blood all over me and our baby, neither of whom were bitten.

READ MORE: Range Rover stopped on motorway for window tint

“Thames Valley Police are on their way, but the number of young men with dangerous dogs in this country is out of control. The dogs need to be put down.”

Politicians have rallied around Mr Reeves in light of his beloved dog’s death.

Councillor Andrew Crichton said: “Eddie, I am so sorry to read this. Absolutely disgusting that this has happened. May Coco rest in peace. My condolences to you and your family.”

Banbury MP Sean Woodcock said: “This is really awful Eddie. I’m so sorry to read this. My condolences to you and your family.”

A baby American Akita (Image: Wiki)

Councillor Simon Weston added: “That is awful.! So sorry to read this. I hope the police take the appropriate action.”

It is an offence to let a dog be dangerously out of control whether that’s in public or private. This can include making someojne worry they might injure them, according to Thames Valley Police.

A Thames Valley Police spokeswoman said: “At around 9.15am on Friday, April 3, we were called to a dangerous dog incident in West Bar Street, Banbury

“Two dogs attacked a cavapoo dog who was being walked. The cavapoo dog sadly died from its injuries.

“An investigation has since been launched and both other dogs have been seized.

“Anyone with information about this attack is asked to call 101 or make an online report via our website, quoting reference number 43260161850.”

Eddie Reeves (Image: Contributed)

The Royal Canin says the American Akita is a “heavy-boned, muscular dog whose striking, noble looks and somewhat dominant personality” make an impression.

“Renowned for their fearlessness and deep sense of loyalty, American Akitas have a long history as both guardians and sporting dogs,” it says.

Meanwhile, French Bulldogs are described as “stocky and chock full of personality” but make “fantastic” companions.

“Don’t be fooled by that serious look on their face: there’s usually a playful dog hidden within,” it added. “The French Bulldog is an adaptable breed that just wants to have fun.”

The scheme is set to kick off at Kidlington FC on Thursday, April 16, with a pilot session initiated by The Joey Beauchamp Foundation.

Working in partnership with Oxford United in the Community, and supported by the Oxfordshire FA, the scheme also sees collaboration between three local grassroots clubs: Kidlington Youth, Kidlington FC, and Garden City.

The workshop is part of a broader programme aimed at helping grassroots coaches and volunteers understand mental health better.

It focuses on recognising early signs of distress and responding safely, using the FA’s established safeguarding frameworks.

The initiative highlights the crucial role grassroots football plays in local communities.

Coaches and club officials often serve as trusted figures in young people’s lives.

The pilot aims to equip them with the confidence and practical tools to recognise changes in behaviour, mood, or engagement, start supportive conversations, understand their safeguarding responsibilities, and direct young people and families to appropriate support.

The training is purely awareness and safeguarding-based.

It reinforces that coaches aren’t expected to diagnose or provide therapy but to recognise, respond, record, and refer concerns appropriately.

For more information about the Joey Beauchamp Foundation and how to get involved, please visit www.joeybeauchamp.org or contact info@joeybeauchamp.org and socials links to follow.