At the other end of the hygiene scale were fast food takeways Petra in Shevington, Sofra on the High Street in Standish and a clutch of food establishments on Wigan Lane; Bel Air Hotel, Ainika Indian Takeaway, Kebab King and Roosters, all of whom attracted a paltry single star in the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. It’s worth pointing out though that these inspections have been carried out over a two year period, and are a snapshot of a particular moment in time. Some outlets may have changed hands or made the necessary improvements since the inspection. To check out the hygiene ratings for your local food establishment, visit the website www.food.gov.uk and click on the Food Hygiene Rating button.
Hygiene Rankings
Local food outlets have been anxiously pouring over the new Food Hygiene Rating Scheme results just released on the Food Standards Agency website. Wigan Council is participating in the scheme for the first time and has released results of food hygiene inspections carried out by their food inspectors at hundreds of premises across the borough. Whilst visiting businesses, the food inspectors from both Wigan and West Lancs Council were on the lookout for issues such as food storage, staff hygiene, pest control and the overall cleanliness of the premises. Diners are being urged to look for the green and black food hygiene stickers which will be a regular feature in the windows of the town’s restaurants and fast food outlets. Categories range from a zero rating meaning that ‘Urgent Improvements’ are required for the business to keep trading, to a five star rating of ‘Very Good’.
Get Crafty with Clay
Standish and Shevington Libraries, in conjunction with artist Brian Rollins, are running craft sessions at the back end of the month. These popular sessions are a great way to entertain the kids, who will learn how to use special techniques to build their own clay sculpture. The Shevington session runs on Monday 22nd August from 3.30pm-4.30pm and the Standish one follows on the Thursday of the same week(25th August). Sessions cost £1 each and demand is sure to be high so call Shevington on 01257 252618 or Standish on 01257 400496 to book your child’s place.
Local restaurants celebrating a five star rating include Ashfield House, The Beeches, Gallimores, the White Crow, the Rigbye Arms, Giuseppe’s and the Mulberry Tree. Other local establishments achieving a five star rating include The Chippy on Pole Street, and also Deli-cious and Chinese Delights on Preston Road, all in Standish, and the Café at Golden Days Garden Centre in Appley Bridge. Katie Street, the owner of Ashfield House in Standish, who is pictured celebrating with Head Chef Mike Daniels, said she was “delighted, but not at all surprised” to achieve the 5 star rating. Mike added “when you’re making everything from scratch, like we do at Ashfield House, hygiene is of paramount importance”. Food preparation areas at Ashfield House were used back in 2006 in a photo shoot for the Food Standards Agency to demonstrate ‘best practice’. www.locallife247.co.uk
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