Eastleigh: I ate at a zero hygiene rated KFC - this is how it went

I wouldn't normally choose to do something like this - but I have done so for your sake, readers. You deserve to find out what it's like to eat at a famous brand takeaway with a zero hygiene rating.

Inside the KFC on Leigh Road, Eastleigh (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: I tried Southampton's award-winning restaurant 

When I walked in, I didn't immediately think I was walking into a restaurant given a zero rating by the Food Standards Agency. It looked like any average KFC.

I had a scan of the restaurant and expected to see bins overflowing with rubbish and grease stains on the floor and tables, and to my surprise it was immaculate.

There weren't bits of chicken on the floor, nor any ketchup stains on the tables.

Having had the lowest expectations surpassed, it was time to collect my lunch.

I ordered a Zinger box meal, a chicken burger with fries, beans and two chicken wings - I know, not a bucket of chicken.

The order: A chicken burger, two hot wings, fries, beans and a drink (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: This KFC restaurant has been given a zero hygiene rating

I arrived at the peak of lunchtime at 12pm and my chips came out cold, which really didn't change my scepticism going in. It may have only been an anomaly, but I wasn't overly impressed.

However, the burger was really good (I really like the KFC burgers) - the chicken was succulent, and the bun was toasty but not dry.

I have the habit of chucking the pot of beans into the chips and eating them like that - hopefully, that doesn't make me a criminal but do email me if it does.

I looked around the restaurant looking for any signs that would give away that the branch was given the lowest hygiene rating - but apart from the single chip left on the floor, the venue was kept clean.

One observation I had after tucking into my burger was that I wasn't given any napkins, and while I do understand that I could have gone to the designated area to get some napkins, it seemed strange that they didn't already come with my order.

When I was given my order, it came with a cup with my drink but no straws - and again I could have walked to the counter and asked for one myself but it just felt like something that was missed out.

Overall the experience was a lot better than I was expecting, I can safely say that most customers will not tell the difference between the branch on Leigh Road and any other.

Oh, and I've had not ill feeling since eating at KFC... yet.