New data has revealed which UK cities are home to restaurants with the highest percentage of 5-star food hygiene ratings.
Our researchers analysed data from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for 30 of the UK’s biggest cities and towns, to find Which town/city has the highest percentage of 5-star food hygiene ratings.
has the cleanest restaurants, cafes and canteens.
Which UK cities had the highest percentage of 5-star food hygiene ratings?
Our findings show that Salford is home to the cleanest restaurants, cafes and canteens with 197 of its 212 venues (93%) being awarded a 5-star food hygiene rating.
Ranking in second is Nottingham with 487 of its 602 venues (81%) currently holding a 5-star food hygiene rating.
In third place is Bournemouth with 462 out of 572 venues (81%) given a 5-star food hygiene rating.
Cities/towns with the highest percentage of 5-star food hygiene ratings awarded to restaurants, cafes and canteens
| City/Town | Number of 5-star food hygiene ratings awarded | Total number of restaurants, cafes and canteens | % of 5-star food hygiene ratings awarded |
| Salford | 197 | 212 | 92.82 |
| Nottingham | 487 | 602 | 80.90 |
| Bournemouth | 462 | 572 | 80.77 |
| London | 637 | 865 | 73.64 |
| Brighton | 542 | 739 | 73.34 |
| Wakefield | 198 | 271 | 73.06 |
| Sheffield | 988 | 1382 | 71.49 |
| Middlesbrough | 159 | 223 | 71.30 |
| Doncaster | 349 | 495 | 70.51 |
| Belfast | 679 | 964 | 70.44 |
How can restaurants, cafes and canteens meet the 5-star food hygiene rating?
For venues to meet the 5-star rating, they must ensure they maintain cleaning routines, strict food handling practices, up-to-date staff training, effective waste management, and provide food hygiene posters and signage.
Which Northern Irish cities had the highest percentage of 5-star food hygiene ratings?
As a leading catering supplier across Ireland, our researchers also analysed 10 of the most populous Northern Irish cities to find out where has been awarded the highest percentage of 5-star food hygiene ratings
Our findings show that Lisburn is home to the cleanest restaurants, cafes and canteens with 90 of its 104 venues (87%) being awarded a 5-star food hygiene rating.
Ranking in second is Newry with 88 of its 104 venues (85%) currently holding a 5-star food hygiene rating.
In third place is Bangor with 60 out of 74 venues (81%) given a 5-star food hygiene rating.
Cities with the highest percentage of 5-star food hygiene ratings awarded to restaurants, cafes and canteens
| Rank | City | Number of 5-star food hygiene ratings awarded | Total number of restaurants, cafes and canteens | % of 5-star food hygiene ratings awarded |
| 1 | Lisburn | 90 | 104 | 86.54 |
| 2 | Newry | 88 | 104 | 84.62 |
| 3 | Bangor | 60 | 74 | 81.08 |
| 4 | Craigavon | 52 | 65 | 80.00 |
| 5 | Carrickfergus | 36 | 47 | 76.60 |
| 6 | Newtownards | 54 | 72 | 75.00 |
| 7 | Ballymena | 53 | 71 | 74.65 |
| 8 | Londonderry | 123 | 167 | 73.65 |
| 9 | Newtownabbey | 58 | 79 | 73.42 |
| 10 | Belfast | 679 | 964 | 70.44 |
Which local authorities have the highest percentage of 5-star food hygiene ratings across England counties, Wales and Northern Ireland?
Our research, displayed in the below table, shows the local authority in each England region, as well as Wales and Northern Ireland, which has the highest percentage of 5-star food hygiene ratings awarded to restaurants, cafes and canteens.
Highest percentage of 5-star food hygiene ratings awarded to restaurants, cafes and canteens by local authority in each region
| England regions & Wales & Northern Ireland | Local Authority | Number of 5-star food hygiene ratings awarded | Total number of restaurants, cafes and canteens | % of 5-star food hygiene ratings awarded |
| North West | Cheshire East | 578 | 694 | 83.29 |
| North East | Stockton-On-Tees | 219 | 239 | 91.63 |
| London | City of London Corporation | 641 | 870 | 73.68 |
| East Midlands | Bassetlaw | 187 | 202 | 92.57 |
| East Counties Area | Castle Point | 93 | 103 | 90.29 |
| South East | Chichester | 231 | 268 | 86.19 |
| South West | Forest of Dean | 230 | 260 | 88.46 |
| West Midlands | Newcastle-Under-Lyme | 76 | 88 | 86.36 |
| Yorshire and Humberside | North Yorkshire | 1302 | 1599 | 81.43 |
| Northern Ireland | Lisburn and Castlereagh City | 180 | 210 | 85.71 |
| Wales | Anglesey | 118 | 131 | 88.55 |
How do the local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland rank?
In terms of local authorities, Bassetlaw, in the East Midlands, has the highest percentage of restaurants, cafes and canteens, awarded a 5-star food hygiene rating. A full table of rankings can be found below:
| All local authorities across England counties, Wales and Northern Ireland | Number of 5-star food hygiene ratings awarded | Total number of restaurants/cafes/canteens in the local area | % of 5-star food hygiene ratings awarded |
| River Tees *Excluded due to low count* | 3 | 3 | 100 |
| bassetlaw | 187 | 202 | 92.57 |
| Stockton-On-Tees | 219 | 239 | 91.63 |
| Castle Point | 93 | 103 | 90.29 |
| Redcar and Cleveland | 196 | 219 | 89.50 |
| Hartlepool | 120 | 135 | 88.89 |
| Anglesey | 116 | 131 | 88.55 |
| Forest of Dean | 230 | 260 | 88.46 |
| Northumberland | 599 | 682 | 87.83 |
| Dorset | 785 | 901 | 87.13 |
Maintaining high hygiene standards is crucial for restaurants to comply with food hygiene laws and to ensure that food is safe for consumption. This encompasses the handling, storage and preparation of food, as well as how food safety is managed, and the cleanliness of facilities.
It’s paramount that processes are in place in restaurants, cafes and canteens to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensure the safety and well-being of customers. For more information, check out our article regarding the difference hygiene standards make towards the success of your business.