Gainsborough: See the town eateries which didn’t make the grade as food hygiene ratings are revealed

Leons in Church Street, Gainsborough was visited in July this year and scored 0 out of five.

The food hygiene rating, known as Scores on the Doors, aims to highlight hygiene standards in pubs, restaurants, take-aways and clubs across the borough.

Leon Cox, owner of Leons, a fish and chip shop, said the reason for the low rating was down to his lack of an audit trail.

Leon said: “There was a management pack which I didn’t bother doing.”

“The criteria has changed and you’ve got to keep a management pack or you automatically get a O.”

“The idea behind it is it covers me if anything happens or if anyone gets ill and it covers your staff.”

“But because it was just me, I didn’t bother.”

“And I also needed to do a bit of painting which I have done.”

“They have been back and said I am doing everything I need to be doing now and the rating will go up but I don’t know what it is going to go up to.”

Also there are 10 eateries in the town with a score of just one from inspections which have taken place throughout the year.

These include Wing Lei in Spital Terrace and Cafe Latte in Lord Street.

Just two establishments were given a two rating, while 11 scored three.

But there is plenty of good news for Gainsborough diners as the majority of businesses scored4 or 5 out of 5.

During inspections in 2014 23 scored four out of five and 49 were scored five out of five.

Including Gainsborough College and Blenheim Care Centre.

A West Lindsey District Council spokesman said: “West Lindsey District Council takes hygiene and food safety seriously.”

“The National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme helps to promote high performing businesses and enables consumers to make informed choices.”

“The hygiene rating shows how closely the business is meeting the requirements of food hygiene law.”

“Ratings are based on how the food is handled, the condition and cleanliness of the premises, how food is kept safe and the management of the business which includes good record keeping.”

“This encourages businesses to maintain the highest standards of food hygiene ensuring the best quality for residents and food hygiene officers work closely with businesses to ensure high standards.”