Look Before You Book

As we approach the festive season, it's time to think about picking a perfect place for your celebrations with the best hygiene standards.

South Holland District Council is encouraging those who are planning a special Christmas meal with colleagues, family, or friends, to 'look before you book' and make the important move to check the Food Hygiene Rating of their chosen venue before making a reservation.

In South Holland, 99.1% of businesses have a Food Hygiene Rating of 3 (satisfactory), 4 (good), or 5 (very good), which remains consistent with previous years, and there are still no businesses with the lowest rating of zero.

This means there are plenty of excellent options for food lovers, however we do still urge people to check the ratings.

Councillor Anthony Casson, South Holland District Council's Portfolio Holder for Food, Health and Safety, said: "Our Food, Health, and Safety Team diligently monitors standards across the district, offering continuous advice and guidance on good hygiene practices.

"The high ratings we currently enjoy are a testament to their hard work and dedication. However, we do not rely on past successes, and continue to work hard to achieve further success. With Christmas approaching, we want to ensure residents know how to check these ratings.

"A good food hygiene rating is a mark of pride. It matters to customers, so we encourage all businesses in the district to display their rating and have a successful festive season."

To find a restaurant's Food Hygiene Rating, visit the Food Standards Agency website at www.food.gov.uk/ratings or look for the green and black sticker at the venue. If you don't see one, do not hesitate to ask. They are usually displayed in a front window or on a wall.

The ratings, which range from 0 to 5, are determined by local authority food safety officers during unannounced visits. A rating of 5 means a very good level of food hygiene.