HAVING a dirty toilet may not ruin the overall experience of a pub, but it certainly leaves an unpleasant smell in a patron’s nose.

However, two Basingstoke pubs have no such problem after claiming the Loo of the Year award.

Seen as The Oscars of the toilet industry, the awards recently took place and The Maidenhead Inn, in Winchester Street and The Angel, in Festival Place scooped the gold rating for the 'exceptional' quality of their washrooms.

The Loo of the Year Awards are run to celebrate the best public toilets in the United Kingdom and promote high standards.

Manger at the Maidenhead Inn, Jon Fletcher, said: "We are delighted with the award. Staff at the pub ensure the toilets are in first-class condition at all times and it is great that this has been recognised by the inspectors.

“We carry out regular checks throughout the day as well as having a deep clean at the end of each day.”

Jon added: “We pride ourselves on our overall cleanliness and by making sure male, female and disabled facilities are cleaned to the highest standard is just another thing we want to ensure so our customers have the best experience they have when they come here.

“Getting this award is just another string to our bow in a number of different awards we have won.”

This award for both town centre pubs comes hot off the heels of them both being recognised for the quality of their ale by the Basingstoke branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

During the visit, CAMRA members also assessed the two watering holes customer service, décor and overall atmosphere.

The Loo of the Year awards aim to highlight and improve standards of toilet provision across the UK.

Inspectors make unannounced visits to thousands of toilets at sites across the UK in order to judge them.

All of the toilets are graded silver, gold, platinum or diamond with unacceptable toilets not graded at all.

The toilets are judged against numerous criteria, including décor and maintenance, cleanliness, accessibility, hand washing and drying equipment and overall management.

As a company a number of Weatherspoon's pubs across the country were recognised with this prestigious award.

The Loo of the Year Awards 2019 managing director, Mike Bone, said: "The toilets at the two pubs have been designed and fitted out to a very high standard and are both clean and well maintained.

"The pubs richly deserve their gold awards."

This is the second year in a row that both The Angel and The Maidenhead Inn have been in receipt of the Loo of the Year award.

Jon added: "It's nice to know standards haven't slipped."