Food outlets reach for the stars
Thousands of food outlets across Liverpool are more hygienic than ever - thanks to the city council’s Scores On The Doors initiative.
Launched three years ago, the online database allows members of the public the chance to check on the quality of food served at the city’s eateries, standards of food hygiene and the overall condition of the premises.
In 2006, 1006 businesses were initially inspected with only ten achieving the top five star rating with 43 outlets awarded no stars which meant they had to take immediate action.
Three years on, and it’s clear that businesses are determined to reach for the stars.
Currently, 2,186 premises have been inspected and just 15 of these (0.69%) now have no stars at all. Whereas 206 businesses, nearly five times as many as 2006, have now been awarded five stars, highlighting their excellence.
Those shining under their five stars include:
60 Hope Street
Allerton Fish Bar
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital
Many of the city’s schools, colleges and nurseries such as St Cleopas primary, St Edwards College and Park View Day Nursery
All Saints Church Hall
Circus Casino
Liverpool city council’s executive member for the environment, Councillor Berni Turner, said: “Scores On The Doors has been a huge success, and it’s wonderful to know that so many food outlets are striving for, and achieving, five stars.
“The results are published online for everyone to see, which is a real incentive for businesses to improve and maintain their hygiene standards.
“Ideally, we would like every outlet in the city to achieve at least three stars, but for those who don’t, our environmental health officers work closely with them to help take the necessary steps to increase their score.
“Congratulations to all those excelling so far, and I’m sure in another year’s time, even more premises will have top marks.”
One location celebrating its excellent standards is Liverpool ONE, which opened a year ago.
Out of their 13 restaurants inspected so far, which include Yo! Sushi, Zizzi, Wagamama and Café Sports Express, all have scooped top five star status.
Chris Bliss, Liverpool ONE’s estate director, said: “We are immensely proud of the retailers at Liverpool ONE for this achievement.
“It is a great accolade for the individual businesses and also for Liverpool ONE which has set high standards since opening and continues to strive for excellence in all areas.”
The majority of businesses (1,508) currently have three or more stars.
Many premises have improved their ratings since the initiative was introduced. One example is Deb’s Diner in Dovecot which received just one star after its first inspection. Following a recent re-inspection, the business has followed advice given by the city council’s environmental health team, and have now been awarded three stars.
Inspectors can turn up to premises without any notice, and the star rating is based on the conditions they find during the visit.
The criteria for the award is based on food hygiene standards, therefore it is different from other awards based on cuisine or customer facilities.
To find out more about ratings for food outlets in the Liverpool area, go to www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk.
