The Red Lion in Southampton has gained the top rating for its levels of hygiene.

The pub, in Bitterne Road, Bitterne, was awarded a five rating by the council’s inspectors.

Scores on the Doors aims to highlight hygiene standards in pubs, restaurants, takeaways and clubs across the borough, displaying establishments hygiene rating outside their entrance.

Inspectors judge outlets on how hygienic and well-managed the food preparation at the premises is and each business is benchmarked against the same criteria namely: hygiene, structural and confidence in management.

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Pub manager Natalie Owens said: “We are delighted that we have gained the top rating and I’m sure our customers will welcome the news too.

“Standards of hygiene at the pub are of paramount importance.

“All of the staff work hard to ensure that the pub offers its customers the highest levels of hygiene at all times, and we are delighted that our efforts have been recognised with the five-star rating.”