Your favorite local eateries might be hiding a dirty secret. Recent food hygiene inspections in Reading have uncovered some alarming results, leaving many to question the safety of their go-to spots. But here's where it gets controversial: while some establishments are clearly struggling, others are just one step away from a passing grade. Could this be a wake-up call for the industry, or are we overreacting to minor slip-ups? Let’s dive in.
Since August, several businesses in the Reading Borough Council area have received shockingly low food hygiene ratings, with scores ranging from zero to five—zero being the worst and five the best. What’s more concerning is that all the establishments on this list scored either one or two stars, indicating significant room for improvement. And this is the part most people miss: these ratings aren’t just about cleanliness; they reflect a broader assessment of food handling, facility maintenance, and safety protocols.
Take Biryanish at 92 Oxford Road, RG1 7LJ, for example. After an inspection on September 19, it received a one-star rating, meaning 'Major improvement necessary.' While its food handling and safety procedures were deemed 'Generally satisfactory,' the cleanliness of its facilities was flagged as a major concern. This raises the question: how much are we willing to overlook for the sake of flavor?
Similarly, Hudsons on Havergate Way, RG2 0GU, scored a one-star rating on August 12. Despite satisfactory marks for food handling and facilities, its food safety procedures were found severely lacking. Is this a one-time oversight, or a systemic issue?
Lois Afro Shop at 273 Oxford Road, RG1 7PY, also received a one-star rating on September 24. While its food handling was satisfactory, its facilities and food safety procedures were marked for improvement. This inconsistency is troubling—how can customers trust that their food is safe?
The trend continues with Rap Cafe at Regus 200 Brook Drive Green Park, RG2 6UB, which scored a one-star rating on September 12. Its facilities were satisfactory, but food handling and safety procedures were not. Stir Fry Caversham at 36a Church Street, RG4 8AU, and The Moderation at 213 Caversham Road, RG1 8BB, faced similar issues, with both receiving one-star ratings for subpar food handling and facility cleanliness.
Moving to the two-star ratings, Best One at 1a Nire Road, RG1 5LT, scored 'Generally satisfactory' for facility cleanliness and food safety but needed improvement in food handling hygiene. House of Doner Reading at 3 Broad Street, RG1 2BH, and Karak Chai & Coffee at 94 Broad Street, RG1 2AP, both received two-star ratings, with satisfactory food handling and safety but room for improvement in facility cleanliness.
Here’s the burning question: Are these low ratings a reflection of temporary lapses, or do they signal deeper issues in Reading’s food industry? Should customers demand higher standards, or is it on businesses to step up their game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that needs to be had.
