The Sephardi Kashrut Authority has announced yesterday it has reinstated the kosher licence at Ananas dairy restaurant in Mill Hill. 

SKA Director of Operations, Rabbi David Neifeld confirmed that the restaurant, which serves brunch, fish, pizza and Middle Eastern dishes was fully operational under a SKA licence as of Thursday.  

“We are pleased to welcome back Ananas which is now under new management and has met the high standard required to obtain a SKA licence. We are particularly happy that once again the Mill Hill community will have the opportunity to enjoy kosher cuisine in their neighbourhood.” 

Rabbi Neifeld confirmed that in future, the Ananas, which The JC reported had lost its licence last May would have a full-time shomer on site. 

Ananas lost its license after an official from the SKA had been carrying out a routine check of licensees on CCTV to ensure that they were closed ahead of Shabbat. Ananas was “not only open but setting up for a party”.

Although the restaurant – which received its licence just over a year-and-a-half ago - had given assurances it would be closed by the time Shabbat came in, it was subsequently unable to produce footage to show that was the case, the official said.

The SKA said: “We gave them a week to present evidence. We wanted them to be able to clear their name. Taking away a licence is an absolute last resort. It’s a shame.”

Ananas is one of three new kosher restaurants opened under the SKA in recent months. The others are Kiosk coffee in Hendon and falafel restaurant, Balady, which opened their fourth branch — in Camden — last month.