Curry house secures five-star hygiene rating for 24th year in a row

Saffron, in Castilian Street, Northampton, received the highest possible rating following its most recent inspection – underlining its long-standing commitment to cleanliness.

The restaurant has become a staple in Northampton’s thriving food and drink scene and said its success is down to delicious food, exceptional service and an unwavering diligence to food hygiene.

Owner Naz Islam said: “It’s a competitive industry and we know customers in the county are spoilt for choice when it comes to good food, but what sets us apart is our approach to food hygiene.

“We pride ourselves on being the cleanest restaurant in town. We have a strict policy when it comes to keeping the dining areas and the kitchens immaculate at all times and we follow it to the letter.

“To maintain a five-star rating for 24 years in a row you have to be diligent and you have to be consistent. You have to live and breathe food safety, you have to make sure everyone in the team is with you and you need to be obsessed with detail and high standards.

“We know we set the bar high and we’re proud of everything we have achieved. We want to ensure other restaurants follow suit and take similar pride in their own businesses, to give diners the confidence that wherever they go in Northampton they can be assured of a clean, well-drilled kitchen that is committed to preparing high-quality food in a safe and clean environment.”

Food hygiene ratings are inspected on three categories, hygienic food handling, cleanliness and condition of facilities and building and management of food safety.

The Food Hygiene Rating Act 2013 became law in Wales on March 4, 2013, requiring all businesses selling food in Wales - including pubs, cafes, restaurants, hotels, takeaways, schools, hospitals, canteens, care homes and corner shops – to display hygiene ratings in a prominent place, and to provide the information verbally if requested over the phone.