The Sephardi Kashrut Authority has removed its kosher licence from the Ananas dairy restaurant in Mill Hill.

An SKA official said it took the action after the restaurant, which serves fish, pizza and Middle Eastern dishes, had held an unauthorised event on a Friday night.

The official explained that he 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.

“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.”

However, he added: “Hopefully, things can be resolved. But they have to show contrition.”

Ananas manager Harry Rahamim would say only: “We are negotiating to get it back. We had a meeting and hopefully everything will be OK.”