THE owner of an award-winning restaurant has said he is feeling "fantastic and relieved" after being handed a top hygiene rating.
Kuti's in Southampton had been investigated in January over a complaint about rats - leading to a three out of five rating when overflowing bins were found.
But now the restaurant at the Grade II-listed Royal Pier gatehouse has been given a five rating following its most recent inspection.
Director Kuti Miah said he feels "fantastic and relieved" with the new score.
He said business has been "difficult" since the restaurant was given the three-out-of-five rating but hopes that the new one will bring customers back.
It was given an overall score after inspectors warned that rats could be attracted to “stagnant foul water” in an outside drain.
Mr Miah said: "I put my life savings into this beautiful building.
"I love Southampton and I love my customers, that's why I put my heart and soul into this.
"I always believed in quality and I’m buying the best quality chicken and lamb, all products are British products.
"The mess of the outside bin area was because the binmen could not collect our bins for weeks.
"We have now changed the outside area and it is very clean and neat."
In a document seen by the Daily Echo, the "very good" rating was handed to the restaurant on March 24.
The rating is due to be published on the Food Standards Agency website within 14 days.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel