A Home Office immigration raid on a West London noodle bar uncovered seven people working illegally, leading to a £280,000 fine and a licensing review. The unauthorised employees, paid cash in hand, constituted more than half of the staff found at Phat Phuc, a Vietnamese restaurant on King's Road, Chelsea.
Business owner Joo Yeow, 71, appeared before a Kensington and Chelsea Licensing hearing on Thursday, September 9, initiated by the Home Office. Immigration Enforcement representative Jack Fortune told the hearing that revoking the business licence was the “appropriate and proportionate response”.
Long-standing non-compliance revealed
Illegal workers had been employed at Phat Phuc for up to five years, with several claiming that Mr Yeow was aware of their immigration status, Mr Fortune said. The Home Office report detailed that on June 19, 2025, the Central London Immigration, Compliance and Enforcement (ICE) team visited the premises after receiving intelligence about illegal employment.
Entry was gained at approximately 13:04 under Section 179 of the Licensing Act 2003. Officers encountered eleven individuals, seven of whom were identified as working illegally.
“The evidence demonstrates the long-standing working arrangements, direct management control, failures in 'right to work' checking and a pattern of non-compliance extending across multiple members of staff,” said Mr Fortune.
Owner pays reduced fine, claims compliance
Mr Yeow said his business was now fully compliant with immigration regulations. Although he initially contested the fine, he has since cleared his civil penalty in full at a discounted fast-track sum of £196,000.
“This is my first offence, of course, we try to comply with every regulation we can. Our business is a family business,” he told the hearing. Mr Yeow explained that in some cases, workers had pleaded with him to allow them to continue working while waiting for their immigration applications.
Three of the seven illegal workers have since gained 'right to work' status within the UK. Since the raid, the business has run 50 right-to-work checks on staff members. Between 20 and 30 employees now work at the noodle bar, many on a part-time basis due to their immigration status work regulations.
Modernisation efforts and next steps
Mr Yeow said he has been trying to catch up with modern technology. His son Daniel and an employed accountant now help him to keep the business fully compliant.
A decision will be made by the Licensing Sub-Committee within five working days of the hearing. The outcome will determine whether Phat Phuc retains its licence to operate.
