Though most visitors to EL&N’s‘s London locations probably just see the on-trend pink color scheme, floral walls, and neon signage, health inspectors recently saw something else. Two of its 11 UK locations recently failed inspection from the UK’s Food Standards Agency (an organization akin to statewide food inspectors in the US). It’s one of the most recognizable cafe brands in the world on social media, but the inspections show that what’s happening in front of the camera doesn’t always necessarily reflect what’s happening behind the counter.
Photo: Tatjana Baibakova/Shutterstock
So-Called 'World’s Most Instagrammable Cafe' Fails Major Health Inspection
View this post on Instagram
EL&N’s St Pancras location in London received a Food Hygiene rating of 1 following an inspection this past winter, according to local reporting. (The lowest possible score is 0.) Under UK law, a 1 rating means “major improvement necessary” and indicates significant concerns related to hygiene practices, cleanliness, or food safety management. It doesn’t trigger an immediate closure, but it does require the restaurant to make immediate changes. It mandates a follow-up inspection, after which the business could be shut down if it fails to correct the issues.
According to data for all businesses in the UK, a score of 1 is rare. The most recently available data show that between 60 and 65 percent of businesses are given a 5 rating (the highest possible), with 20 to 25 percent receiving 4s, and five to 10 percent receiving a score of 3. Only a very small percentage (under five percent) are rated as 0, 1, or 2.
Unfortunately for EL&N, it wasn’t just the London location that drew criticism. Birmingham, another EL&N cafe location, was also flagged by inspectors in mid-2025, when it was given a 2 rating. Inspectors identified issues related to food safety management and operational standards — again, requiring corrective action, rather than immediate shutdown.
What is EL&N?
View this post on Instagram
EL&N is a small, UK-based cafe chain with a distinct — and very trendy — look. Founded in 2017, it now has locations throughout the Middle East and UK. EL&N is short for “Eat, Live & Nourish,” and has a brand built almost entirely around visual appeal. Though there are variations between stores — some are minimalist and marble-heavy, others go all-in on maximalism and “dopamine decor” — there are some similarities between them. Most locations have pink color palettes, faux sakura trees or flower walls, marble tabletops, and neon signs with phrases like “but first, coffee,” placed in areas ideal for photo shoots. Drinks and desserts are similarly styled and sometimes topped with edible flowers or distinctive branding. Prices are moderate to expensive, but come with access to a space that has become almost a badge of honor for would-be influencers on Instagram.
Media outlets have leaned into that identity, with many calling it the “most Instagrammable cafe in the world” — though there’s not a singular verifiable source to confirm that. However, a search on Instagram for “EL&N” brings up hundreds of thousands of posts and reels, and the account itself has nearly one million followers.
What happens next
View this post on Instagram
With a rating of 1, the St. Pancras location now has to make immediate and significant changes to address the concerns. It does not need to immediately shut down, though it could be forced to if it doesn’t comply with the FSA directives. After it makes said changes, it can request a reinspection to change its rating at any time. Most other EL&N locations in the UK (there are 11 total) received 4 or 5 ratings.
For travelers, the news is a reminder that visual appeal and high prices don’t always reflect high quality. A cafe designed to look perfect on Instagram isn’t necessarily going to be as focused on food and drink as other restaurants. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, and for visitors just looking to deck out their Instagram feeds, finding the highest quality coffee may not be the top priority.
Fortunately, for EL&N, ratings aren’t permanent. But the brand’s emphasis on being as well-known as possible means a poor health rating is going to make headlines — and not just on social media. 