Varanasi, a popular Indian restaurant on Broad Street in Birmingham, known for hosting Hollywood actor Johnny Depp for a £50,000 meal in 2022, has received a hygiene rating of one in its latest inspection by Birmingham City Council. The rating, issued in March 2026, indicates that major improvement is necessary, particularly in cleanliness.
Background of the Restaurant
Varanasi is one of ten Birmingham restaurants featured in the annual British Indian Good Food Guide. It gained widespread attention when it hosted Johnny Depp after his performance at Symphony Hall in 2022. The restaurant had previously experienced issues with its hygiene rating display, including a 'glitch' that incorrectly showed its rating, for which the council apologized.
Previous Hygiene Issues
In January 2025, Varanasi failed a hygiene inspection but managed to achieve a five-star rating two months later. However, this improved score was not visible on the Food Standards Agency website for nearly three months, causing confusion.
Latest Inspection Results
The most recent inspection on 18 March 2026 awarded the restaurant a score of one. While food safety and food handling received 'good' ratings, cleanliness was deemed to require major improvement. Despite the official rating, the restaurant continues to display a five-star rating on its doors.
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson stated: "The premises was re-inspected on 18th March this year and the premises has scored a 1. The score has not been appealed nor has there been an application for a rescore."
For more details, read the full story on Birmingham Mail.
