ALMOST a quarter of premises in the latest batch of food hygiene inspections in the Taunton and Wellington areas received the highest possible rating.

The nine outlets, which include a day nursery, an oriental takeaway and a farm deli, won a maximum five stars in the latest round of checks by Taunton Deane Council’s food safety team.

A further 11 businesses were adjudged four star, seven scooped three stars, 11 had two and just two received no stars based on how they comply with food safety laws.

More than 400 premises ranging from sandwich bars to takeaway to pubs and restaurants have now been inspected since the Scores on the Doors scheme started almost a year ago.

Deane executive councillor for environmental services Cllr Mel Mullins said: “It is heartening to see so many premises in Taunton Deane gaining four and five-star ratings.”

*To check out all the food ratings, click on the link.

***** 5 STARS: Primary Colours Day Nursery, Galmington Road, Taunton; Taunton Country Market Ltd, Bath Place, Taunton; Three Cooks Ltd, Fore Street, Wellington; New Orient Hotfoods Takeaway, South Street, Wellington; Iceland, High Street, Taunton; Select Sandwiches, Fitzhead; Chris Trott & Family Ltd, West Street, Bishops Lydeard; Coffee for Gossip, St Augustine Street, Taunton; Jacqui Rees Farm Deli, Churchstanton.

**** 4 STARS: Somerset Care Ltd – Popham Court, Courtland Road, Wellington; The Bear Inn, Wiveliscombe; Taunton Racecourse Restaurants, Orchard Portman; The Ring of Bells, Norton Fitzwarren; Farthings Hotel & Restaurant, Hatch Beauchamp; Europa Restaurant and Coffee Shop, High Street, Wellington; Rumwell Manor Hotel; Drakes Place, Wellington; The Hankridge Arms, Taunton; Fyfe’s News, Wiveliscombe; Drag ‘n’ Fry, Cheddon Road, Taunton.

*** 3 STARS: Richard Huish College, Taunton; The Farmers Arms, Combe Florey; The Old Inn, Bishop’s Hull; Langley House Trust, Norton Fitzwarren; The Allerford Inn, Allerford, Norton Fitzwarren; Pizza Hut, Taunton; Wimpey Northbound Taunton Deane Motorway Services M5, Trull.

** 2 STARS: Halcon Primary School, Taunton; Crystal Chinese Takeaway, Cheddon Road, Taunton; The New Inn, Halse; North Street Congregational Church, Taunton; WHERE, Northfield Centre, Wellington; The Bell Inn, Bishops Lydeard; Somerfield, Wellington; The Black Horse, Taunton; The Bird in Hand, North Curry; The Holywell Inn, Holywell Lake; Roadchef Restaurant, Northbound Taunton Deane Motorway Services, M5, Trull.

0 STARS: Dynasty Indian Restaurant, Station Road, Taunton; Maharaj Tandoori Restaurant, Staplegrove Road, Taunton.