Average food hygiene rating for hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses in the UK was 95%, a score a 4 or a 5

The average food hygiene rating for hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses across the UK has been revealed, thanks to a report from leading online training provider High Speed Training.

The report, which analysed Food Standards Agency (FSA) data for over 215,000 food businesses across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, found that across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the average food hygiene rating for pubs, bars and clubs was 4.76, with 83% receiving the top score of 5.

A similar report run in 2023 by High Speed Training calculated that score at 4.75, showing that the already high standards have increased.

Hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses performed well compared to other businesses types, such as restaurants, cafes and canteens, which received an average score of 4.57 across the UK. Less than 5% of hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses scored a 3 or below, compared to 11% in the restaurant category.

Only 6 hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses received a zero for their hygiene rating, compared to 245 restaurants, 178 takeaways and 51 pubs, and only 73 scored a 1, compared to 406 for the pub category, 1,632 restaurants and 1,315 takeaways.

When looking at all food businesses together, the top scoring region was the South West, with an average rating of 4.66 from over 21,000 premises. This was followed by Northern Ireland (4.64) and the East Midlands (4.62).

London had the lowest average rating in the study, with a score of 4.36, though the area had by far the most establishments, with almost 36,000 premises contributing to the rating.

North West seaside town Southport topped the individual rankings, with a highly impressive 4.91 out of 5, closely followed by Bangor, Ipswich and Lincoln, (all 4.89) and Stockton-On-Tees (4.86).

The bottom three included Walsall (4.13), Birmingham (4.08) and Wigan (3.92), with the latter’s rating dropping by a UK wide high of 0.29.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) is a partnership with local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The scheme aims to provide customers with information as to how well a business is upholding food hygiene and safety standards.

Following regular inspections, ratings are devised based on the standard of food handling hygiene, the physical condition of the premises and facilities and food safety management practices.

These ratings are then made available on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website and are usually visible from outside of the premises, often presented in a window near the entrance.

In Wales and Northern Ireland, it is compulsory for businesses to display their food hygiene rating. However, in England it is currently just considered best practice.

Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at High Speed Training comments:“Food safety and robust hygiene practices should be of paramount importance to food businesses. Recently, we have seen many high profile cases of food poisoning and illnesses caused by food-borne bacteria.

“This is why food hygiene ratings are so important – they are a direct reflection of how safely and hygienically that establishment operates and are of critical importance to consumers. It’s incredibly encouraging to see such high standards across hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses, as a high hygiene rating can be a real selling point. However, establishments with a low hygiene rating can be extremely off-putting for customers, which ultimately have a significant impact on reputation and profitability.”

“Our report shows that, on average, standards remain high across the UK, and have improved from 2023. This commitment to correct food hygiene training for staff, alongside robust food management procedures and everyday good practices are crucial to keep performing at high standards.