IN the second part of our series looking at Food Hygiene Ratings across Bolton, reporter JOSEPH TIMAN focuses on pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels.

UP to 20 restaurants, pubs and bars operating in Bolton require major improvement after being criticised by food standards inspectors.

And two of the borough’s restaurants received the worst possible rating of zero, meaning urgent improvements are needed.

The lowest rated restaurants in the borough were Laibaz in Bradshawgate and Kani Restaurant in Derby Street, both of which received a zero rating at their last inspections.

Daisy Hill Football Club in Westhoughton, which has a bar in its clubhouse, also received a zero rating but after a further inspection has now been given a certificate to say it has been rated at four.

Nick’s Restaurant, The Brewhouse, Bengal Cottage and The Chinese Buffet were all among the establishments to receive a hygiene rating of one.

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SPECIAL REPORT: How clean is your favourite restaurant and local pub? Bolton eateries' hygiene results revealed

23 restaurants, bars and hotels in Bolton have a 1 food hygiene rating

36 restaurants, bars and hotels in Bolton have a 2 food hygiene rating

91 restaurants, bars and hotels in Bolton with a three food hygiene rating

The 244 restaurants, bars and hotels in Bolton with four star food hygiene rating

The 260 restaurants, pubs and hotels in Bolton with a five food hygiene rating

A total of 685 establishments fall under the categories of pub, bar or nightclub, restaurant, cafe or canteen and hotel, bed and breakfast or guest house across Bolton.

All hotels and guest houses received a rating of three or above meaning that none require improvement in their food hygiene standards.

Most establishments across the board - 73 per cent - were rated four or five meaning that their standards are good or very good.

However, according to the Food Standards Agency as of September 12, 36 establishments require some improvements, receiving a two rating, and 25 require major improvement, receiving one rating.

Several restaurants and cafes that received a rating of one are now closed including Hell’s Kitchen and Protein Kitchen.

Others, including Lincolns Bar and Grill, The Fat Pig and Brunchers, have changed their name and are believed to be under new management.

Nicholas Cullen, chef patron of Nick’s Restaurant, admitted his food hygiene rating has gradually fallen over the years but stood by the restaurant he has owned for 18 years. He said: “There’s no restaurant in the whole of Bolton that’s had the same owner for 18 years. I’ve been a chef since I was 15. I know my job.”

The 52-year-old who has regularly appeared at Bolton Food and Drink Festival said that the inspection took place at a busy time for the business and a difficult time for him personally.

He said that the low rating was mostly due to paperwork, but The Bolton News understands concerns were raised over a range of issues including food handling practice and confidence in management.

But it is understood many improvements were observed when inspectors revisited. Mr Cullen said: “We have millionaires, billionaires, and people who save up all year to come for their anniversary. I take it very personally.

“They are in my restaurant and I want them to be happy. If anyone wants to have a look in my kitchen, they can have a tour and ask whatever they want.”

Bengal Cottage manager Mijan Khan was eager to reassure customers that the poor rating had nothing to do with food handling and that staff attended a hygiene course last week. Mr Khan said: “Not only do we take pride in our cleaning of our kitchen and handling of our food, we pride our selves in the quality of our products.”

The Indian restaurant in Lee Lane has had a rating of five for six years but the rating of one received in May was due structural changes and paperwork, according to Mr Khan.

The Bolton News understands that there were also concerns about personal hygiene, general cleanliness and lack of hot water.

Anthony Hardman, general manager of The Brewhouse said its poor rating was due to uneven flooring and a storage shed leak as well as record keeping but changes are under way.

The Chinese Buffet in Bridge Street previously had a rating of four but the restaurant was given a rating of one in May due to structural concerns.

Manager Steve Albert said changes have been made and an inspector is due back in the coming weeks.

NEXT WEEK: School, nurseries, colleges and university canteens