Cafe owner in Skegness hit by downgrade celebrates return to four stars

Customers came out in support last month when Windys, of Drummond Road, was only rated one star after a visit by an East Lindsey District Council inspector.

Owner Paul Windle told the Standard that after years of being rated four stars, the one star grading had severely affected his business.

However, this morning he called to let us know he was inspected again yesterday and is now back up to four stars.

He said: “I’m delighted we are back to four stars again. The inspector was here for about one and a half hours and we had a good talk.

“Hopefully now the word will get out and business will start picking up again. We look forward to seeing all our old customers.”

Mr Windle bought the business 17 years ago as a Valentine’s Day gift for his wife Trudi.

But there was not a lot of love for the business when the last Food Standards Agency gradings were published just before .

But loyal customers were not influenced by comments on social media such as ‘dirty, disgusting’.

Spilsby dentist Dr Mitchell Clark was one of those who out in support of Mr Windle. He told the Standard: “It’s the best place for breakfast in Skegness bar none. I’ve been coming here for breakfast for years since I had a practice down the road - and I’ll still come. It’s high quality food and great service - what more can you ask?”

Last month’s inspections found 66 food outlets across East Lindsey and Boston failed to meet satisfactory levels of food hygiene.

Portfolio Holder for the Coastal Economy, Councillor Steve Kirk, said: “The council carries out food hygiene inspections that follow the requirements of the Food Standards Agency.

For many of the visitors and residents eating out is a part of their leisure activities so these inspections play an important part in a vibrant coastal economy. The inspections are not about the quality of food served to the customer, they are about the processes and practices that ensure food is safe and kitchens are clean and properly run. We are very fortunate in East Lindsey to have some highly rated food businesses and would encourage all food businesses to work towards the very highest standards possible.”