TWO new restaurants in Basingstoke's town centre have been handed the highest food hygiene ratings.

Chopstix Noodle Bar in Festival Place, and Republic of Pizza and Desserts at the Top of Town, was rated 'very good' following visits from food hygiene inspectors on February 1.

Chopstix Noodle Bar serves Asian-inspired quick-serve meals, including chicken katsu, sweet and sour, and its signature dish, salted caramel chicken, while Republic of Pizza and Desserts serves pizza, burgers, chicken wings, fries and desserts.

Basingstoke Gazette:

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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 facilities and buildings, which includes the layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control, was found to be very good at Chopstix, and good at Republic of Pizza and Desserts.

Inspectors found the handling of food at both establishments, which includes preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling, and storage, very good.

The inspection also found that checks were in place at both restaurants to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat, including staff’s knowledge of food safety is good at Republic of Pizza and Desserts, and very good at Chopstix.