A WORCESTER pub hit with a lowly one star rating before Christmas has now received the highest rating after inspectors returned.

Portobello Inn was given the second lowest - which means major improvement necessary - by Worcestershire Regulatory Services inspectors on December 9 with it later appearing on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website.

Ratings are judged by FSA inspectors over the standards in the handling of food, how food is stored, how food is prepared, cleanliness of facilities and pest control, how food safety is managed and evidence staff know about food safety.

A report into the St John's pub and restaurant, which is owned by the Marston's group, revealed inspectors found "major improvement' was necessary in the management of food safety, leading to the overall one star rating.

A reinspection was carried out on January 20 with inspectors judging it to be five stars - which is now being displayed on the FSA website.

In the management of food safety category the Bransford Road-based pub completely turned it round, with standards now judged to be very good.

And in further good news the categories of hygienic food handling and cleanliness and condition of facilities and building were also both rated as very good.

We contacted the pub for comment but had no response before our deadline.

READ MORE: Worcester pub hit with lowly one star food hygiene rating

The pub receiving five stars means it is no longer on the list of Worcester businesses with a one star rating. The FSA website shows this currently includes Age UK Worcester And District Lunch Club in Bilford Court, Your’s Pizza Bite / Little India in Ronkswood Hill, Lifestyle Express in Kilbury Drive, Happy Taste in Orchard Street and O Nosso Cafe in London Road.

No business in Worcester has zero stars, the lowest rating.

Each food business must display their FSA information on their venue and online. If managers disagree with a rating, or believe their business has been upgraded since receiving the rating listed on the FSA website, food.gov.uk, they should contact the FSA directly.

All information published is based on results on the FSA website and is correct as of January 28, 2022, with inspections listed as the latest carried out.