Is This Popular Café Hiding Hygiene Issues?

Is This Popular Café Hiding Hygiene Issues?

If you’ve been in London, you’ve likely heard of EL&N – the café famous for its adorable pink decor, floral walls, and dazzling neon lights. It’s a popular spot for Instagram check-ins. However, recent inspections have revealed some not-so-pleasant news about two of the 11 EL&N branches in the UK.

The St Pancras branch in London was rated a concerning score of 1 in a food hygiene inspection last winter. According to the UK Food Standards Agency, a score of 1 means significant improvements are needed. The cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety management standards were found lacking.

Not Just One, But Two Branches Under Scrutiny

It’s not just London; the EL&N branch in Birmingham also received a score of 2 in mid-2025, again for issues related to food safety management and operational standards. Fortunately, they have a chance to rectify these issues before facing potential closure.

What Makes EL&N So Popular?

EL&N, short for “Eat, Live & Nourish,” is a small café chain from the UK that has expanded to the Middle East and various locations across England since 2017. When you think of EL&N, you picture a vibrant pink space adorned with artificial cherry blossom trees and Instagram-worthy neon signs.

The drinks and desserts here are also beautifully presented, often garnished with edible flowers. While the prices aren’t exactly budget-friendly, anyone who loves capturing the perfect shot will surely want to visit at least once.

What’s Next?

Currently, the St. Pancras branch must implement immediate changes to improve its hygiene standards. They will be re-inspected at any time after making the necessary adjustments.

For travelers, this serves as an important lesson: just because a place looks stunning on Instagram doesn’t guarantee that the quality inside matches. It’s essential to consider whether you're seeking a beautiful backdrop for photos or genuinely wanting to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee. Sometimes, these two aspects don’t go hand in hand.

Clearly, hygiene ratings are not set in stone. However, for a brand like EL&N, any negative news regarding hygiene can quickly become a hot topic in the media, extending beyond just social media chatter.