CITY RESTAURANT REGAINS FOUR-STAR HYGIENE RATING
A popular Norwich restaurant has regained its four-star hygiene rating – just weeks after it was controversially given a one-star rating because it was unable to produce relevant paperwork during an inspection because of an office move.
The Last Wine Bar and Restaurant was given the one-star rating in July, despite the inspector stating in her report that food hygiene standards were ‘high’ and that the restaurant demonstrated ‘a very good standard of compliance with legal requirements’.
Now following a re-inspection by City Council hygiene officers, the St George’s Street-based restaurant has had its four-star rating reinstated.
“The nature of the inspection system meant that the inspector had to give us the low rating in July despite stating explicitly in her report that our food hygiene standards were high,” said James Sawrey-Cookson, partner in The Last Wine Bar.
“It was our record-keeping which was at issue, due principally to the timing of the inspection being at the exact moment we were moving offices.
“We said at the time that we felt the one-star rating was harsh and that we would seek an early re-inspection, and we are pleased but not surprised that we have re-gained our high rating.”
The Last Wine Bar this year celebrated its 28th anniversary, making it one of the longest established independent restaurants in the city.