Concerned about where you're eating in Reading? Here's a rundown of the establishments that have recently received the lowest food hygiene ratings, so you can make informed choices about where to dine. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is the official body that assesses food businesses, and they use a straightforward rating system to help you understand how seriously each place takes food safety.
The FSA assigns ratings from 0 to 5, with 0 being the worst and 5 the best. These ratings are based on inspections conducted by local council inspectors, who evaluate various aspects of food safety.
Here's a list of establishments in the Reading Borough Council area that have received the lowest ratings since August, all of which have been given either one or two stars:
- Biryanish, located at 92 Oxford Road, RG1 7LJ, received a rating of one after an inspection on September 19. A one-star rating means 'Major improvement necessary'. Biryanish scored 'Generally satisfactory' for food handling and safety procedures but needed 'Major improvement' for the cleanliness of its facilities.
- Hudsons, at Havergate Way, RG2 0GU, also received a one-star rating from an inspection on August 12. They scored 'Generally satisfactory' for food handling and facilities, but 'Major improvement necessary' for food safety procedures.
- Lois Afro Shop, at 273 Oxford Road, RG1 7PY, received a rating of one from an inspection on September 24. They scored 'Generally satisfactory' for food handling, 'Improvement necessary' for facilities, and 'Major improvement necessary' for food safety procedures.
- Rap Cafe, located at Regus 200 Brook Drive Green Park, RG2 6UB, received a score of one from an inspection on September 12. The cafe scored 'Generally satisfactory' for its facilities, but 'Improvement necessary' for food handling, and 'Major improvement necessary' for food safety procedures.
- Stir Fry Caversham, at 36a Church Street, RG4 8AU, received a rating of one from an inspection on August 2. The takeaway scored 'Generally satisfactory' for its facilities, 'Improvement necessary' for food handling, and 'Major improvement necessary' for food safety procedures.
- The Moderation, at 213 Caversham Road, RG1 8BB, was given a rating of one after an inspection on September 24. The pub scored 'Generally satisfactory' for its food safety procedures, but 'Major improvement necessary' for its food handling and the cleanliness of its facilities.
Moving on to the two-star ratings, which also indicate a need for improvement:
- Best One, at 1a Nire Road, RG1 5LT, received a rating of two from an inspection on September 23. A two-star rating also means 'Improvement necessary'. Best One scored 'Generally satisfactory' for the cleanliness of its facilities and its food safety procedures, but 'Improvement necessary' for food handling hygiene.
- House of Doner Reading, at 3 Broad Street, RG1 2BH, received a rating of two from an inspection on September 29. The restaurant scored 'Generally satisfactory' across food handling and food safety procedures, but 'Improvement necessary' for the cleanliness of its facilities.
- Finally, Karak Chai & Coffee, at 94 Broad Street, RG1 2AP, also received a rating of two from an inspection on September 3. The cafe scored 'Generally satisfactory' across food handling and food safety procedures, and 'Improvement necessary' for food handling.
But here's where it gets controversial... Do you think these ratings accurately reflect the day-to-day conditions of these establishments? What factors do you consider most important when choosing where to eat? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
