A BASINGSTOKE café has been handed a four-out-of-five food hygiene rating after an inspection - despite getting top marks on a revisit. 

The Corner Lounge on Priestley Road, Basingstoke, was handed the rating ‘good’ following an assessment from food hygiene inspectors on Thursday, December 21.

The café serves all-day breakfast, as well as baguettes, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, soups and daily specials.

READ MORE: New pizza and dessert restaurant opens in Basingstoke - see inside

Food safety officers rate food hygiene by handling of food, the cleanliness and condition of the building and facilities, and the officer's confidence in the establishment.

The cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building, which includes its layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control, was found to be good.

The inspection also found that systems in place to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat, including staff’s knowledge of food safety is good.

Handling of food at the café, which includes preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling, and storage was found to be generally satisfactory.

SEE ALSO: Residents rally against plan for seven to nine new houses in village

A spokesperson for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has said the premises were revisited by officers on January 10, and were of a five standard.

However, under the food hygiene rating scheme, a business must keep its current rating, in this case a four, for a minimum of three months before applying for a visit to be re-rated. 

The Corner Lounge cafe expressed that they are 'happy that cleanliness and working practices are well maintained'.

It added that they also work with an external consultant with previous experience as an Environmental Health Officer to ensure they are up to date with changes and practices within the establishment and legislation.