People planning to treat their loved one to a meal out for Valentines day can be confident their dinner will be hygienic at the very least.

Almost 80 per cent of the 684 restaurants in Sutton now score three or more out of five in the Food Hygiene Ratings Scheme, which rates restaurants, cafés, takeaways and canteens according to Sutton Council inspection scores.

Your Local Guardian:

Councillor Clifton presents Pizza Express manager Zack Tuznik with his five-star certificate

It means diners can choose from 541 eateries that meet the three-star standard - although it is worth avoiding the five establishments that scored no stars in their most recent inspections.

Pizza Express in Sutton High Street is among the restaurants to scoop a coveted five-star rating. Manager Zack Tuznik said: "We’re very proud of our top rating for food hygiene as it shows that we run a food business that people can trust."

Catriona Stewart, head of food hygiene ratings at the Food Standards Agency, added: "The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is a great tool when choosing where to eat out, particularly when celebrating a special meal, because it tells you what’s going in the kitchen and behind the scenes."

People can check how restaurants fare in the ratings by visiting www.food.gov.uk/ratings or by looking out for green stickers on restaurants' doors.

Councillor Richard Clifton, Sutton council's lead member for trading standards, said: "The borough is committed to ensuring all food businesses are regularly inspected and offered food safety guidance and coaching."

Your Local Guardian:

Sheesh Mangal in Central Road, Worcester Park, got no stars in its most recent hygiene inspection in June last year

Five eateries in Sutton scored zero in their most recent inspections meaning urgent improvement is required.

They are: Favorite Chicken and Ribs in Stafford Road, Wallington, Ryan Gate in Central Road, Worcester Park, Sheesh Mangal, also in Central Road, Surrey Chicken and Kebab in St Dunstans Hill, Cheam, and Sutton Halal Meat and Grocery in Sutton High Street.


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