Varanasi, a popular Indian restaurant in Birmingham once frequented by actor Johnny Depp, has faced renewed scrutiny after receiving a poor hygiene rating, less than a year following a council apology over rating errors.
In 2022, Johnny Depp and his band dined at Varanasi after a concert at Symphony Hall, enjoying a meal valued at £50,000. The restaurant’s reputation took a hit last year when Birmingham City Council apologized for a technical glitch that incorrectly displayed its hygiene score.
After failing a hygiene inspection in January 2025, Varanasi improved to a score of five — classified as “very good” — in a subsequent check two months later. However, this high rating was not promptly updated on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website, remaining absent for nearly three months.
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According to the FSA, any rating below three is considered a fail, with “1” indicating that major improvements are necessary. In its latest inspection on March 18, 2026, Varanasi was again scored a “1.” While inspectors found food safety and handling to be “good,” the restaurant failed in cleanliness standards, highlighting areas requiring urgent attention.
Despite this low FSA score, the restaurant continues to display a five-star rating on its doors, adding to the confusion among patrons. Birmingham City Council and Varanasi have been contacted for comment but have not responded.