A NEW restaurant in Weaverham has achieved top marks for food hygiene after making use of the council's advice service.

Cumin Cottage in High Street gained a rating of five thanks to help from Cheshire West and Chester Council's GET 5 scheme – 'Gaining Excellence Together'.

For a small fee, the restaurant's new owners received specific tailored advice and coaching from food safety officers during a two-hour visit and follow-up session.

Cumin Cottage owner Mr Afruj Chowdhury said: “I would highly recommend the GET 5 service.

"I found the food officer very professional and she made everything very simple to understand.

"Food hygiene is our number one priority, I’m delighted my business now has the highest achievable rating for our customers.”

Following an inspection by a food safety officer, businesses are awarded a nationally-recognised food hygiene rating which is published on the Food Standards Agency website.

Ratings are between zero and five, with five being the top score.

The business also receives a sticker showing their rating which can be displayed at the premises demonstrating to their customers their commitment to food safety.

Cumin Cottage has enjoyed a positive start to life in Weaverham, after the previous owners of Mumtaaz were prosecuted for repeated 'zero' scores.

Under the GET 5 scheme, businesses are guided through key requirements, including safe food handling practices, cleaning routines, cooking and cooling procedures, documented food safety management systems and allergen advice.

The service is available to both new and established businesses, with officers available to answer follow-up queries.

CWAC's director of place operations Maria Byrne said: “Setting up and running a food business can be daunting.

"There’s a lot to learn and manage to make sure a business complies with the law.

"The best food hygiene rating reassures the public that food safety is taken seriously and having a high food hygiene rating is likely to increase footfall and profits.

“The food safety officers in our Regulatory Services team work hard to keep the public safe through the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. I’m delighted that the GET 5 is helping food businesses of all sizes across Cheshire West.”

Search for GET 5 on the CWAC website.