TOILETS at eight pubs in Southampton have hit the spot with judges as they garnered acclaimed at this year’s Loo of the Year Awards.

The Red Lion, in Bitterne Road, was the highest achiever of the eight Wetherspoons pubs which won plaudits for the quality and standards of their toilets.

It was awarded with a platinum star rating by inspectors - the top award.

Southampton pubs The Standing Order, in High Street, and The Giddy Bridge, in London Road, as well as The Bright Water Inn, in Shirley Road, The Wagon Works, in Southampton Road, Eastleigh, The Lord Arthur Lee and The Crown Inn, both in West Street, Fareham, were all awarded a gold rating.

The Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis in Ocean Village received a silver rating.

The awards, celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, highlight improving standards of ‘away from home’ toilets across the UK.

Awards inspectors make unannounced visits to thousands of toilets across the UK. All of the toilets are graded from bronze to platinum with unacceptable toilets not graded at all.

The platinum rating is given only to outlets which offer “exceptional toilets.”

The toilets are judged against numerous criteria, including décor and maintenance, cleanliness, accessibility, hand washing and drying equipment and overall management.

The Red Lion manager, Natalie Owens, said: “We are delighted. Staff ensure the toilets are in first-class condition at all times and it is great that this has been recognised by the inspectors.”

Awards managing director, Mike Bone, added: “The toilets at all eight pubs have been designed and fitted out to a very high standard and are both clean and well maintained.”

“The pubs richly deserve their awards.”