Losh Bar and Grill reclaims top hygiene rating after downgrading

An inspection on November 17, saw the restaurant handed a one-star rating, with 'major improvement necessary'.

Improvement was required in 'hygienic food handling', while major improvement was required in 'management of food safety'.

A five star food hygiene rating at Losh Bar & Grill, Harpenden. (Image: Huseyin Uzum / Losh Bar & Grill)

Losh's director Huseyin Uzum claims that he was not present for the initial inspection in November, with the food management systems stored on his laptop.

Losh Bar & Grill was reinspected on Wednesday (January 10), after Mr Uzum paid for inspectors to return.

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Prior to this inspection, he told The Herts Advertiser: "I am confident that once our food management system is thoroughly reviewed, the score will accurately reflect the true standards of our business.

"We take pride in our commitment to excellence, and a score below five stars does not accurately represent our efforts."

Following the inspection, Huseyin confirmed: "I am pleased to tell you that we have had an inspection today and have received five star rating!"

A St Albans City and District Council spokesperson said: “We carried out a hygiene inspection of the restaurant and identified a number of serious concerns.

“As a result of these failings, we had no option but to give a hygiene rating of one which indicates that major improvement is necessary.

“We are pleased to say that the restaurant acted to make those improvements and paid for a re-inspection which resulted in the five rating being gained.

“Our food safety team are supportive of local food businesses across the district and work with them to ensure high standards of hygiene are achieved.”