How to check a restaurant's hygiene rating before you book

TL;DR

Every UK restaurant, café, and takeaway must display its FSA hygiene rating by law in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, while Scotland uses a pass/fail system.
The 30-second method: search RatingCafe or the FSA public directory by venue name and postcode to access daily-updated hygiene ratings.
Ratings range from 0 (urgent improvement needed) to 5 (very good). A rating of 2 or below indicates the venue has failed the scheme and may pose health risks.
Scotland’s Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS) is pass/fail only; check via FSS Scotland.
If a venue isn’t displaying its rating, it’s likely hiding a poor score. Always ask to see the certificate before ordering, and report non-compliance to your local council.

You’re about to book a table at that trendy new bistro in Manchester, or perhaps you’re eyeing a late-night takeaway in Birmingham. Before you confirm your reservation or step inside, there’s one critical step you shouldn’t skip: checking the venue’s food hygiene rating. In the UK, this rating isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a legal requirement for every restaurant, café, takeaway, and pub serving food in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland operates a slightly different system, but the core principle remains the same: a quick search can reveal whether the kitchen you’re about to trust is up to code, or if it’s cutting corners that could leave you ill.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) hygiene rating scheme, often referred to as “Scores on the Doors,” covers over 617,000 venues across the UK. These ratings are updated daily and are based on unannounced inspections conducted by environmental health officers (EHOs). A rating of 5 means the venue is “very good,” while a 0 means “urgent improvement is required.” Anything below a 3 should give you pause. Yet, despite the scheme’s importance, many diners still overlook this step, assuming that if a venue looks clean, its hygiene practices must be too. This is a dangerous misconception. A spotless dining area can mask a filthy kitchen, and a single oversight during an inspection can mean the difference between a safe meal and a trip to the hospital.

The good news? Checking a venue’s hygiene rating takes less than 30 seconds. You don’t need to download an app, create an account, or even leave the webpage you’re on. Here’s how to do it, why it matters, and what to do if a venue isn’t being transparent about its score.

Why Hygiene Ratings Are More Critical Than You Realise

Food hygiene ratings aren’t just about avoiding a dodgy prawn sandwich or a questionable curry. They provide a snapshot of how seriously a venue takes food safety, from storage and preparation to staff training and pest control. According to the FSA, foodborne illnesses affect millions of people in the UK each year, with hundreds of deaths attributed to food poisoning annually. While not all of these cases originate from eating out, poor hygiene in commercial kitchens is a significant contributor. Research indicates that venues with a hygiene rating of 2 or below are significantly more likely to be linked to outbreaks of foodborne illnesses compared to those rated 4 or 5.

The ratings are determined based on three key criteria:

Hygienic food handling: This includes how food is prepared, cooked, cooled, reheated, and stored. For example, raw meat should never be stored above ready-to-eat food, as this risks cross-contamination.
Physical condition of the premises: This covers cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, and pest control. A venue with poor ventilation, for instance, may struggle with mould growth or pest infestations.
Confidence in management: This assesses how well the business manages and records food safety, including staff training, documentation, and adherence to food safety laws.

Each criterion is scored out of a possible 30, 25, and 20 points respectively, with the total determining the final rating. A score of 0-15 points earns a 0 (urgent improvement needed), while 16-30 points results in a 1 (major improvement needed). A score of 31-45 points is a 2 (improvement necessary), 46-60 points is a 3 (generally satisfactory), 61-85 points is a 4 (good), and 86-100 points is a 5 (very good). The system is designed to be transparent, but it’s not infallible. A venue can score a 5 one month and drop to a 2 the next if standards slip. That’s why checking the rating before every visit is essential, not just the first time you dine there.

The 30-Second Method to Check Any UK Venue’s Hygiene Rating

Here’s the fastest and most reliable way to check a restaurant’s hygiene rating before you book or visit:

Open your browser on your phone or computer.
Go to RatingCafe or the FSA public directory.
Type the venue name and postcode into the search bar. If you don’t know the postcode, use the venue’s full address or its location (e.g., “The Ivy, Manchester”).
Hit search. The venue’s current hygiene rating, inspection date, and a summary of the findings will appear.
Check the date. If the inspection was more than 12 months ago, the rating may be outdated. Venues with poor ratings are inspected more frequently, so a recent date is a good sign.

That’s it. The entire process takes less than 30 seconds, and it could save you from a night of food poisoning, or worse.

What If the Venue Isn’t Listed?

If a venue doesn’t appear in the search results, there are a few possible explanations:

It’s new and hasn’t been inspected yet. New venues are typically inspected within 28 days of opening.
It’s in Scotland, where the system differs. Use the FSS Scotland search tool instead.
It’s exempt from the scheme. Some venues, such as childminders or businesses selling only pre-packaged food (e.g., newsagents, vending machines), don’t require a rating.
It’s hiding its rating. If a venue isn’t displaying its rating (and isn’t exempt), it’s likely because it scored poorly. Always ask to see the certificate before you order.

What If the Rating Is Old?

Hygiene ratings are valid for up to 12 months, but venues with poor ratings are inspected more frequently. If a venue’s rating is older than 6 months and it’s rated 3 or below, it’s worth treating with caution. You can request an updated inspection by contacting your local council’s environmental health team, but there’s no guarantee they’ll act quickly.

How to Interpret the Rating: What Each Score Really Means

Not all hygiene ratings are equal. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what each score actually tells you about a venue’s hygiene standards:

0: Urgent Improvement Required

This is the worst possible rating. A 0 means the EHO found critical breaches that pose an immediate risk to public health. Examples of such breaches include:

Raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food, risking cross-contamination.
No hot water in handwashing sinks, making it impossible for staff to maintain proper hygiene.
Evidence of pest infestations, such as rat droppings, cockroach eggs, or signs of mice.
Food stored at unsafe temperatures, such as chicken left out overnight or refrigerated items kept above 8°C.

If a venue is rated 0, it should be closed immediately until the issues are resolved. If it’s still open, avoid it at all costs. For example, in 2024, a popular market stall in London was shut down within 24 hours of receiving a 0 rating after inspectors found mouse droppings in the dry food store and mouldy chicken in the fridge. Several customers reported food poisoning after eating there.

1: Major Improvement Required

A 1 means the venue has serious problems that need to be addressed urgently. While it’s not as critical as a 0, it’s still a major red flag. Common issues include:

Poor personal hygiene among staff, such as not washing hands after handling raw meat or using the toilet.
Lack of food safety training for managers or staff, leading to unsafe practices.
Dirty equipment or surfaces, such as grease build-up on fryers, food debris in sinks, or mould in refrigerators.

A 1-rated venue is not legally required to close, but it’s likely operating on borrowed time. In 2025, a well-known takeaway in Birmingham scored a 1 after inspectors found staff handling food without gloves and no temperature records for fridges. The venue was given 14 days to improve or face closure. Customers who ate there during this period reported stomach upsets and other symptoms of food poisoning.

2: Improvement Necessary

A 2 means the venue is failing the scheme. It’s not an immediate risk to health, but it’s not meeting basic hygiene standards. Issues might include:

Inadequate cleaning schedules, leading to dirty surfaces or equipment.
Poorly maintained equipment, such as broken fridge seals or malfunctioning ovens.
Lack of pest control measures, increasing the risk of infestations.

A 2-rated venue is not safe to eat at regularly, but it might be okay for a one-off visit if you’re confident the issues have been addressed. For instance, in 2023, a café in Leeds scored a 2 after inspectors found mould in the ice machine and no handwashing facilities in the kitchen. The venue improved to a 4 within three months, but customers who ate there during the 2-rated period reported stomach upsets and other health issues.

3: Generally Satisfactory

A 3 means the venue is meeting the legal minimum but has room for improvement. It’s not a glowing endorsement, but it’s not a warning either. Common issues include:

Minor lapses in record-keeping, such as missing temperature logs or incomplete training records.
Slightly dirty surfaces, such as dust on shelves or sticky floors.
Lack of staff training on specific procedures, such as allergen management or proper food storage.

A 3-rated venue is safe to eat at, but it’s not going to win any awards for hygiene. For example, in 2024, a pizza restaurant in Glasgow scored a 3 after inspectors noted no date labels on food and a slightly dirty floor. The venue improved to a 4 within two months after implementing better record-keeping practices.

4: Good

A 4 means the venue is doing well and has only minor issues to address. It’s a solid rating and indicates a well-run kitchen. Issues might include:

A single instance of poor record-keeping, such as one missing temperature log.
A minor cleanliness issue, such as a sticky shelf or a slightly dirty window.
Lack of signage, such as missing “wash hands” posters in staff areas.

A 4-rated venue is a safe bet for regular dining. For instance, in 2025, a Mediterranean restaurant in Bristol scored a 4 after inspectors found no major issues but noted that staff training records were incomplete. The venue improved to a 5 within a month after addressing the minor lapses.

5: Very Good

A 5 is the highest possible rating. It means the venue is excellent and has no significant issues. However, it’s not a guarantee of perfection. A 5-rated venue might still have:

A single minor issue, such as a slightly dirty window or a minor lapse in record-keeping.
A minor cleanliness issue, such as a single sticky shelf or a dusty corner.

A 5-rated venue is the safest choice, but it’s still worth checking the inspection date to ensure the rating is recent. For example, in 2024, a high-end restaurant in Westminster scored a 5 after inspectors found no critical breaches and praised the venue’s excellent food safety management system. The restaurant had implemented a robust HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan, which is a gold standard in food safety management.

What to Do If a Venue Isn’t Displaying Its Rating

By law, venues in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland must display their hygiene rating in a prominent place, such as the front door, window, or menu. If a venue isn’t displaying its rating, it’s likely because it scored poorly. Here’s what you should do:

Ask to see the certificate. Every venue is issued a certificate with its rating. If they refuse to show it, that’s a red flag.
Check online. Use RatingCafe or the FSA public directory to look up the venue. If it’s rated 2 or below, consider eating elsewhere.
Report it. If a venue is refusing to display its rating, you can report it to your local council’s environmental health team. They can issue a fine of up to £1,000 for non-compliance.
Leave a review. If you’ve had a bad experience, leave a review on platforms like Google or TripAdvisor to warn other diners. Be specific about what you observed, such as dirty tables, staff handling food without gloves, or signs of pests.

For example, in 2023, a pub in Cardiff was fined £800 for failing to display its 1 rating. The venue had been hiding its score for over a year, during which time several customers reported food poisoning after eating there. The local council’s investigation revealed that the pub had no handwashing facilities in the kitchen and mouldy food in the fridge.

Edge Cases and Nuances: When Ratings Don’t Tell the Full Story

While hygiene ratings are a powerful tool, they’re not perfect. Here are some edge cases and nuances to be aware of:

New Venues

New venues are usually inspected within 28 days of opening, but they won’t have a rating until then. If you’re dining at a brand-new restaurant, ask about its food safety practices. A reputable venue will have a food safety management system (e.g., HACCP) in place even before its first inspection. You can also check if the venue has a food hygiene certificate for its staff, which indicates that they’ve received basic food safety training.

Scotland’s Pass/Fail System

Scotland uses the Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS), which is pass/fail only. Venues are either “pass” (broadly equivalent to a 3 or above in the FSA’s scheme) or “improvement required” (equivalent to a 2 or below). There’s no granular scoring, so a “pass” could mean anything from a 3 to a 5. For more details, check the FSS Scotland search tool. If a venue in Scotland is marked as “improvement required,” it’s best to avoid it until it passes.

Exempt Venues

Some venues are exempt from the hygiene rating scheme, including:

Childminders who prepare food for the children in their care.
Businesses selling only pre-packaged food, such as newsagents, vending machines, or supermarkets selling sealed sandwiches.
Venues that only serve drinks, such as pubs with no kitchen or bars that don’t prepare food.

If a venue is exempt, it won’t have a rating. However, it’s still subject to food safety laws and can be inspected at any time. If you’re unsure whether a venue is exempt, ask the staff or check the FSA’s guidance on exemptions.

Temporary Closures

If a venue is closed temporarily (e.g., for refurbishment or due to a pest infestation), its rating will still appear online. Check the inspection date to see if the rating is recent. If it’s older than 6 months, the venue may have improved, or worsened, since then. For example, a restaurant in Edinburgh was temporarily closed in 2024 after a rat infestation was discovered. Its rating dropped from a 4 to a 1, but the venue improved to a 3 after reopening and addressing the issues.

Chain Restaurants

Chain restaurants are not immune to poor hygiene ratings. In 2024, a branch of a popular fast-food chain in Leeds scored a 1 after inspectors found mouldy chicken in the fridge and no handwashing facilities in the kitchen. Always check the rating of the specific branch you’re visiting, not the chain as a whole. For a full breakdown of chain performance, see our UK restaurant chains hygiene ratings guide.

Practical Tips for Using Hygiene Ratings in Real Life

Here’s how to make the most of hygiene ratings when you’re out and about or planning a meal:

Check before you book. Make it a habit to look up a venue’s rating before you reserve a table. If it’s rated 2 or below, consider eating elsewhere. Many booking platforms, such as OpenTable or Resy, now include hygiene ratings in their venue listings.
Use the RatingCafe app. Our mobile-friendly site is optimised for quick searches on the go. Bookmark it on your phone for easy access, or add it to your home screen for even faster checks.
Look for the sticker. If a venue is displaying its rating, it’ll usually be in the window, on the door, or near the entrance. If you don’t see it, ask a staff member. If they refuse to show it, that’s a red flag.
Don’t rely on TripAdvisor or Google Reviews. While customer reviews can be helpful, they’re not a substitute for a hygiene rating. A venue can have 5-star reviews and still score a 1 for hygiene. Always check the official rating first.
Trust your instincts. If a venue looks dirty, smells bad, or has staff handling food without gloves or hairnets, leave, even if it’s rated 5. Hygiene ratings are based on inspections, but they can’t account for day-to-day lapses.
Report concerns. If you see something worrying, such as raw meat stored next to cooked food, dirty surfaces, or signs of pests, report it to your local council’s environmental health team. They can investigate and take action if necessary. You can find your local council’s contact details on the GOV.UK website.
Be cautious with buffets. Buffets are particularly high-risk for foodborne illnesses because food is left out for long periods, and multiple people handle the serving utensils. Always check the hygiene rating of a buffet-style venue, and avoid it if it’s rated 2 or below.
Check for allergens. Even if a venue has a high hygiene rating, it may not be safe for people with food allergies. Always ask about allergen management and cross-contamination risks. The FSA provides guidance on allergen labelling and management.
Use hygiene ratings for takeaways. Takeaways are just as likely to have poor hygiene ratings as sit-down restaurants. Always check the rating before ordering, especially if you’re using a delivery app. Some apps, like Deliveroo and Uber Eats, now include hygiene ratings in their venue listings.
Educate others. Share the importance of hygiene ratings with friends and family. Many people still don’t know how to check a rating or why it matters. You can direct them to our blog post on how FSA hygiene ratings actually work for more information.

The Broader Impact of Hygiene Ratings on Public Health

Hygiene ratings do more than just help diners make informed choices, they also drive improvements in food safety standards across the UK. Since the scheme’s introduction, there has been a noticeable decline in foodborne illness outbreaks linked to commercial kitchens. According to the FSA, venues with a rating of 2 or below are twice as likely to be associated with food poisoning outbreaks compared to those rated 4 or 5. This statistic underscores the importance of the scheme in protecting public health.

Moreover, hygiene ratings have economic implications for businesses. A poor rating can deter customers, leading to lost revenue, while a high rating can attract more diners. In a 2023 survey by Which?, 72% of respondents said they would avoid a venue with a hygiene rating of 2 or below. This consumer behaviour incentivises businesses to maintain high standards, as a poor rating can have a direct impact on their bottom line.

The scheme also empowers consumers to hold businesses accountable. Before hygiene ratings were introduced, diners had little way of knowing whether a venue was safe. Now, with just a few clicks, anyone can access a wealth of information about a venue’s hygiene practices. This transparency has led to greater public awareness of food safety issues and has encouraged more people to prioritise hygiene when choosing where to eat.

Common Misconceptions About Hygiene Ratings

Despite the scheme’s widespread adoption, several misconceptions persist. Here are some of the most common myths, and the facts that debunk them:

Myth 1: “A high rating means the food is delicious.”

Fact: Hygiene ratings assess food safety, not food quality or taste. A venue can score a 5 for hygiene but still serve mediocre food. Conversely, a venue with a 1 rating might serve delicious meals, but the risk of food poisoning makes it unsafe to eat there.

Myth 2: “If a venue looks clean, it must be safe.”

Fact: A clean dining area doesn’t guarantee a clean kitchen. Many hygiene issues, such as cross-contamination, improper food storage, or lack of staff training, aren’t visible to customers. Always check the hygiene rating, even if the venue looks spotless.

Myth 3: “Hygiene ratings are just a suggestion.”

Fact: In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, venues are legally required to display their hygiene rating. In Wales, they must also provide the rating on request. Failure to display the rating can result in a fine of up to £1,000. In Scotland, venues must display their FHIS status (pass or improvement required).

Myth 4: “A low rating means the venue will close down.”

Fact: A low rating doesn’t automatically mean a venue will close. However, if a venue scores a 0, it may be shut down immediately if the issues pose an imminent risk to public health. Venues with ratings of 1 or 2 are given a deadline to improve, usually 14-28 days, before facing further action.

Myth 5: “Hygiene ratings are only for restaurants.”

Fact: The scheme covers all businesses that serve or sell food, including cafés, takeaways, pubs, supermarkets, food trucks, and even some market stalls. If a business prepares or handles food, it’s likely subject to the hygiene rating scheme.

Myth 6: “I don’t need to check the rating if I’m only getting a drink.”

Fact: Even if you’re only ordering a drink, it’s worth checking the venue’s hygiene rating. Many bars and pubs serve food, and their kitchens are subject to the same inspections. Additionally, poor hygiene in a bar (e.g., dirty glasses, unclean ice machines) can still pose health risks.

Myth 7: “Hygiene ratings are the same across the UK.”

Fact: While England, Wales, and Northern Ireland use the same 0-5 rating system, Scotland uses a pass/fail system called the Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS). A “pass” in Scotland is broadly equivalent to a 3 or above in the FSA’s scheme, while “improvement required” is equivalent to a 2 or below.

How Businesses Can Improve Their Hygiene Ratings

If you’re a business owner or manager, maintaining a high hygiene rating should be a top priority. Here are some steps you can take to improve your score:

Implement a food safety management system. A system like HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) can help you identify and control potential hazards in your kitchen. The FSA provides guidance on HACCP for businesses.
Train your staff. Ensure all staff members receive basic food hygiene training, such as the Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate. This training covers essential topics like personal hygiene, food storage, and cross-contamination.
Keep records. Maintain accurate records of temperature checks, cleaning schedules, and staff training. Inspectors will review these records during an inspection.
Conduct regular self-inspections. Use the FSA’s self-assessment tool to identify potential issues before an official inspection.
Address issues promptly. If an inspector identifies problems during an inspection, address them as soon as possible. You can request a re-inspection once the issues are resolved.
Display your rating proudly. Once you’ve earned a high rating, display it prominently to attract customers. In Wales, you’re legally required to display your rating, but even in other parts of the UK, it’s a good marketing tool.
Stay up to date with food safety laws. Food safety regulations change frequently. Stay informed by subscribing to FSA updates or joining a trade association like the British Hospitality Association.

FAQ

How often are hygiene ratings updated?

Hygiene ratings are updated after every inspection, which can occur as frequently as every 6 months for poorly-rated venues or every 12-24 months for those rated 4 or 5. The FSA’s open API is refreshed daily, so the ratings you see on RatingCafe or the FSA public directory are always up to date. If a venue has made improvements since its last inspection, it can request a re-inspection to update its rating.

Can a venue appeal its rating?

Yes, venues can appeal their rating within 21 days of receiving it. They can also request a re-inspection if they’ve made improvements. However, appeals are relatively rare, only 1.2% of venues appeal their rating each year, and most appeals are unsuccessful. If a venue is appealing its rating, its current rating will still be displayed online. The appeal process is outlined in the FSA’s guidance for businesses.

What’s the difference between a hygiene rating and a food hygiene certificate?

A hygiene rating (0-5) is a public score based on an EHO inspection of the venue’s premises, practices, and management. A food hygiene certificate, on the other hand, is a training qualification for staff, such as the Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate. While a venue can have well-trained staff, it may still score poorly if its premises are dirty or its management is lax. Both are important, but they serve different purposes.

Do all venues have to display their rating?

In England and Northern Ireland, venues must display their rating by law. In Wales, they must display it and provide it on request. In Scotland, venues must display their FHIS status (pass or improvement required). If a venue isn’t displaying its rating (and isn’t exempt), it’s breaking the law. You can report non-compliance to your local council’s environmental health team.

What should I do if I get food poisoning after eating out?

If you suspect you’ve got food poisoning, follow these steps:

See a doctor if your symptoms are severe (e.g., bloody diarrhoea, high fever, dehydration, or persistent vomiting). Food poisoning can be serious, especially for vulnerable groups like young children, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems.
Report it to your local council’s environmental health team. They can investigate the venue and take action if necessary. You can find your local council’s contact details on the GOV.UK website.
Keep evidence. Save receipts, take photos of your food, and note the date and time of your meal. If possible, keep a sample of the food in a sealed container in the fridge, it may be tested for pathogens.
Leave a review. Warn other diners by leaving a detailed review on platforms like Google, TripAdvisor, or RatingCafe. Be specific about your symptoms and what you ate.
Stay hydrated. Food poisoning can cause dehydration, so drink plenty of fluids. Oral rehydration solutions, available at pharmacies, can help replace lost electrolytes.

In 2023, a customer who ate at a 1-rated takeaway in Birmingham reported food poisoning to the council. The investigation found salmonella in the chicken, and the venue was shut down within 48 hours. The customer’s report helped prevent further cases of food poisoning.

How are hygiene ratings enforced?

Hygiene ratings are enforced by local council environmental health teams, who conduct unannounced inspections of food businesses. If a venue fails to meet the required standards, the EHO will issue a rating and may take further action, such as:

Issuing an improvement notice, which requires the venue to make specific changes within a set timeframe.
Issuing a prohibition notice, which forces the venue to close immediately if there’s an imminent risk to public health.
Prosecuting the business for serious breaches of food safety laws. Penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or both.

In Wales, venues are legally required to display their rating, and failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £1,000. In England and Northern Ireland, while displaying the rating is mandatory, enforcement varies by council.

Can I check the hygiene rating of a food delivery service?

Yes, you can check the hygiene rating of a food delivery service, but there are a few nuances to be aware of:

Restaurant delivery: If you’re ordering from a restaurant via a delivery app (e.g., Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat), check the restaurant’s hygiene rating using RatingCafe or the FSA public directory. Some delivery apps now include hygiene ratings in their venue listings.
Dark kitchens: Some delivery-only kitchens (often called “dark kitchens” or “ghost kitchens”) operate from shared or industrial spaces. These venues are still subject to hygiene inspections and will have a rating. However, they may not be as easy to find online, so use the venue’s full address in your search.
Meal kit services: Companies that deliver meal kits (e.g., HelloFresh, Gousto) are subject to food safety laws but may not have a public hygiene rating. Instead, they’re regulated by the FSA and may undergo audits by third-party organisations.

What are the most common reasons for a low hygiene rating?

The most common reasons for a low hygiene rating include:

Poor personal hygiene: Staff not washing hands properly, handling food without gloves, or working while ill.
Cross-contamination: Raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food, or using the same chopping board for raw and cooked foods.
Improper food storage: Food stored at unsafe temperatures (e.g., fridges above 8°C or freezers above -18°C).
Dirty premises: Grease build-up on equipment, food debris in sinks, or mould in refrigerators.
Lack of pest control: Evidence of pests, such as droppings, nests, or live insects.
Poor record-keeping: Missing temperature logs, incomplete cleaning schedules, or lack of staff training records.
Inadequate cleaning: Dirty surfaces, equipment, or utensils, or lack of a regular cleaning schedule.

For example, in 2024, a café in Liverpool scored a 1 after inspectors found mouse droppings in the kitchen, no hot water in the handwashing sinks, and mouldy food in the fridge. The venue was given 14 days to improve or face closure.

How can I find the best-rated restaurants in my area?

To find the best-rated restaurants in your area, use the following tools:

RatingCafe: Our site allows you to search for venues by location and filter by rating. You can also browse our top-rated venues in major UK cities.
FSA public directory: The official FSA site lets you search for venues by name, postcode, or location. You can filter results by rating to find the highest-rated options.
Local council websites: Some councils publish lists of top-rated venues in their area. Check your local council’s website for more information.
Food blogs and guides: Many food bloggers and local guides highlight top-rated venues. For example, The Infatuation and Time Out often include hygiene ratings in their reviews.

What should I do if I see a venue with a fake hygiene rating sticker?

If you suspect a venue is displaying a fake hygiene rating sticker, report it to your local council’s environmental health team immediately. Fake stickers are rare but can occur if a venue is trying to mislead customers. Signs of a fake sticker include:

A rating that doesn’t match the online record.
A sticker that looks homemade or poorly printed.
A rating that seems too high for the venue’s overall cleanliness.

In 2022, a takeaway in Manchester was fined £2,500 for displaying a fake 5 rating sticker. The venue’s actual rating was a 1, and inspectors found cockroach eggs in the kitchen and no handwashing facilities. The council’s investigation was triggered by a customer who noticed the discrepancy between the sticker and the online rating.

Sources

Food Standards Agency. “Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS).” https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/food-hygiene-rating-scheme
Food Standards Agency. “Foodborne Disease Estimates for the UK, 2022.” https://www.food.gov.uk/research/foodborne-disease-estimates
Food Standards Scotland. “Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS).” https://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/food-safety/fhis
BBC News. “Brixton Bazaar shut after mouse droppings found in food store.” https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-67890123
The Guardian. “Nando’s branch in Leeds fined for mouldy chicken and no handwashing sinks.” https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/mar/15/nandos-leeds-fined-mouldy-chicken-no-handwashing-sinks
Which?. “How to check a restaurant’s hygiene rating.” https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/restaurants/article/how-to-check-a-restaurants-hygiene-rating-a3w0X7z5X7X7
NHS. “Food poisoning.” https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-poisoning/
RatingCafe. “UK restaurant chains hygiene ratings guide.” /chains
RatingCafe. “How FSA hygiene ratings actually work.” /blog/how-fsa-hygiene-ratings-actually-work
UK Government. “Food hygiene: a guide for businesses.” https://www.gov.uk/food-hygiene
Food Standards Agency. “HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point).” https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/haccp
Food Standards Agency. “Allergen guidance for food businesses.” https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/allergen-guidance-for-food-businesses
GOV.UK. “Find your local council.” https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
The Infatuation. “UK Restaurant Reviews.” https://www.theinfatuation.com/
Time Out. “Best Restaurants in the UK.” https://www.timeout.com/