One to avoid: https://www.northwarks.gov.uk/news/article/642/coleshill_pub_fined_after_pleading_guilty_to_a_string_of_food_hygiene_offences

Looks nice from the outside, doesn't it? Just goes to show you really can't tell from first appearances.

How disgusting allowing that dirt and mould in the kitchen. No excuse whatsoever!

I have often thought that customers can at request be shown round these kitchens first before they have a meal in such places as pubs and restaurants. That would soon keep these proprietors on their toes.

Before the present owners took over, my local pub had a very chequered history as regards this type of thing. One landlord had just posted a 5-star rating but had stopped catering due to personal circumstances. There was a funeral wake booked in and a local caterer I know agreed to do all the work from the pub's kitchen. She was disgusted. She told me that she had to scrub almost solidly for two days before she felt the place was clean enough to carry out catering.

So yes, a look round on request might be a very good idea.

I always use the toilet test before ordering food at any eatery - if the owners keep the loos clean, the kitchen's going to be clean too.

I think that a fair point, Lex

If I go to a takeaway for the first time I look for the hygiene certificate that should be clearly displayed and with a good rating. If there is no sign of it, I would be concerned. I look to see if it appears to be tidy ie floor clear of anything that might need sweeping or cleaning up. That might give a clue as to standards though as you cannot see the kitchen you cannot be 100% certain. If eating in, rather than taking away is the crockery and cutlery clean? The customer comes in and spends money which is of benefit to the business. The customer has an expection that what is prepared and served is fit for consumption. This doesn't mean going in with a clipboard, pen and a white coat, it simply means being aware.

Shizara, good advice.

However, it's not unknown for an outdated certificate (or even a fake) to be on display. And it's worth remembering that the certificate only applies to the actual day of inspection. Many things could have changed.

I know of a burger van that was never checked out, hiding under the certificate of a local pub.