Two Isle Of Wight Eateries Told To Improve — As Others Scoop Five-Star Hygiene Ratings

The latest round of food hygiene inspections has been released for businesses across the Isle of Wight — with several achieving top marks, while two venues have been told major improvements are needed.

Food hygiene ratings are given from zero to five stars, with five meaning “very good” and zero meaning “urgent improvement necessary.”

Among those inspected recently, Seaview Deli and The Salix Beach Café in Shanklin each received one star, meaning major improvement is necessary in at least one area of food safety management.

One-star ratings

Seaview Deli, based at Regent House on Seaview High Street, was inspected on 8 September.

Inspectors found generally satisfactory standards in both food handling and cleanliness, but said major improvement was necessary in management of food safety, which includes record-keeping, staff knowledge and safety systems.

The Salix – Beach Café, on Shanklin Esplanade, was inspected on 4 September and also received a one-star rating.

The venue scored good for cleanliness, but inspectors highlighted issues in food handling and food safety management.

In a statement to the Food Standards Agency, the café said it was “naturally disappointed” with the rating and has already taken action to address the concerns raised.

A statement in a response to the one-star rating said:

“The inspection took place during one of the busiest weeks at the end of the summer season.

“We’ve worked hard to put things right and have scheduled a follow-up inspection to regain our usual five-star rating.”

Five-star ratings

A number of Island businesses achieved the top five-star rating — the highest possible score — in their latest inspections.

Achieving five-stars in August and September were:

• Westbury Lodge Guest House, Queens Road, Shanklin (inspected 6 September)

• Wheelers Café, Riverway, Newport (inspected 28 August)

• Vernon Cottage Tearooms, Eastcliff Road, Shanklin (inspected 16 September)

• Villa Mentone Hotel, Park Road, Shanklin (inspected 4 September)

• The Bay Vegan Deli & Coffee House, High Street, Sandown (inspected 19 August)

• The Burger and Grill, Avenue Road, Freshwater (inspected 17 September)

Each of these businesses was praised for strong standards across all areas — including food handling, cleanliness, and management of food safety.

Mel Shaw, owner of Sandown's The Bay Vegan Deli & Coffee House, told Isle of Wight Radio:

"It's down to the staff and hard work of the team that we've received a five-star rating.

"We have a joke that 'every day is an inspection day' and make sure that we never let our standards slip."

Understanding the ratings

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is run by local authorities in partnership with the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Scores are based on three key areas:

• Hygienic food handling (how food is prepared, cooked and stored)

• Cleanliness and condition of the building (layout, ventilation, and pest control)

• Management of food safety (systems and training in place to maintain standards)

Consumers can check the latest ratings for any business by visiting the Food Standards Agency website.