Despite an enforcement notice from Norwich City Council in July, Orlando’s restaurant and takeaway on Earlham Road is still operating and available for delivery on platforms such as Deliveroo and Uber Eats. The council has declined to comment on the situation, but a source close to the Evening News reported having a meal at the premises last Friday. Neighbors have also noticed continued activity at the restaurant, with delivery bikes and cooking odors still present. Owner Orlando Williams has even added a takeaway sign in the porch and a sticker in the window claiming a four-star food hygiene rating.
Orlando’s received a two-star hygiene inspection rating for its B&B arm in May, and was warned over food handling law breaches. Despite this, Williams has shown no signs of stopping his operations, and neighbors have observed that he now has delivery drivers pull around to the back of the premises to avoid being seen. It is unclear whether Williams has appealed the enforcement notice, but according to one council source, it should no longer be in effect. Some speculate that the council has not taken further action against Williams due to his continued operation over the years.
Earlier this year, this newspaper delivered an Orlando’s lunch to officials at City Hall to draw attention to the fact that they had failed to stop the restaurant from operating, despite clear signs and numerous delivery drivers outside the premises. In October, a takeaway sign appeared in the window, further advertising the restaurant’s operation. The situation highlights a lack of enforcement by the council and suggests that Orlando Williams may have been able to continue operating due to a lack of action or interest from the authorities.
