Bournemouth — Nativ, a family-run spot serving African cuisine on Old Christchurch Road, scored zero on its latest Food Standards Agency hygiene inspection in January 2026. The low mark stemmed from structural defects tied to a botched refurbishment, according to owner Prince Ogbuji.

“We were shocked and disappointed as well as we know our loyal customers will be to see the score of zero in the recent inspection,” Ogbuji said. He stressed the rating did not reflect dirty kitchens or spoiled food. Instead, a rogue builder took off with substantial refurbishment funds last year, halting repairs and leaving structural issues exposed.

The restaurant acted swiftly after inspectors left. Repairs wrapped up promptly. Nativ has collaborated closely with the local environmental health officer team from BCP Council, which conducted weekly checks to verify fixes. A follow-up visit confirmed full compliance, Ogbuji added.

“We are human, we made a mistake, but we fixed it immediately,” he said. “We have applied for a rescore which we hope will reflect the true excellent score we have always had.”

The Food Standards Agency oversees food safety and hygiene across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Its website outlines a clear ratings system out of five, where zero signals urgent improvement needed, one means major improvement required, two is improvement necessary, three shows general compliance, four indicates good standards and five means very good.

BCP Council declined to release the full inspection report when approached by the Bournemouth Echo. Nativ emphasized its track record of high standards prior to the builder incident. The owners aim to restore their rating through the rescore process, which allows businesses to request re-evaluation after addressing concerns.

Food hygiene ratings appear publicly on the FSA website, helping diners make informed choices. Establishments must display their scores at entrances. Nativ’s page currently lists the zero rating from the January check, with no update on the rescore application as of now.

Ogbuji highlighted the council’s supportive role throughout. “The EHO team at the council have also been doing a weekly visit with us to ensure compliance,” he noted. This partnership highlights how businesses can rebound from setbacks with quick action and oversight.

The incident spotlights risks in restaurant renovations, especially when contractors vanish mid-project. Nativ, known for its authentic African dishes, draws a steady crowd of regulars who value its family atmosphere. Ogbuji’s statement seeks to reassure patrons that safety remains paramount.