Restaurants and cafés in Elmbridge have been told to urgently improve their hygiene standards, writes Shona Duthie.

Two food establishments which serve Indian and Lebanese dishes are operating under a zero food hygiene rating.

And 45 others which serve food received a one-star rating after their last food hygiene inspection, according to the Food Standards Agency website.

The businesses had to improve before their next inspection or they would face closure.

Layla Restaurant, in High Street, Esher and the Golden Curry, in Hampton Court Parade, East Molesey, both received a zero rating when inspected last year by health inspectors between July and December.

Lebanese restaurant Layla was given a zero rating at the end of last year despite selling their main courses at an average of £16. A manager said: “The reason we received the zero hygiene rating was due to the kitchen not being painted correctly and we have addressed all the issues that were raised to us.” A new training regime had been implemented, he said.

David Lloyd Leisure, in Brooklands Road in Weybridge, was inspected two months ago on December 11 and was handed a one-out-of-five rating.

A spokesman for David Lloyd said: “As soon as we were made aware of the issues raised, we immediately took measures to rectify them and we have also appointed a new chef and retrained the kitchen’s existing team members.

“The club has had no reported incidents relating to food hygiene and we are requesting a further audit from the Food Standards Agency and are confident a high grade will be awarded.”

Esher Rugby Club, in Molesey Road, Walton, received the same rating as the fitness centre when it was inspected last June but has since notched a five-star rating.

General manager Dean Hartry said: "The one-star wasn't exactly related to food. However, we took that on board and we've made all the amendments that were asked. We're proud to say we're back to a five-star rating."

Jumping Jacks play area is also a part of the rugby club, and received a four-star “good” rating. Mr Hartry said he was confident it would achieve five out of five after an upcoming inspection.

Linda Barrett, 47, manager of Jumping Jacks, said: “The council wanted us to make sure the shelves were laminated and to re-paint them.

“However, our maintenance man has decided to completely replace the shelves as he wants to make sure the job is done properly. At the moment I am also doing my [catering] training which will hopefully help with improving our food hygiene.”

To check ratings near you, visit ratings.food.gov.uk.

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