A restaurant where signs of "mouse activity" were found is hoping to win back any customers it disappointed after a new food hygiene rating.

Tops Royal Cuisine in The Parade, Watford, was given a 1/5 food hygiene rating following an inspection on January 17 and accepted voluntary closure for two days before declaring that all highlighted areas had been improved.

Following a reinspection on May 2, a sticker now confirms manager Said Mahjub had been telling the truth as his Bangladeshi eatery can boast the highest possible rating.

He said that the inspector was “very happy” with the new systems the restaurant, in The Parade, had implemented.

The manager added: “We would love any customers we disappointed to come back.

“We are relieved to be fully open and giving the best service in Watford again.”

The full report called for "major improvement" in cleanliness, condition of the facilities and building, and the management of food safety, as evidence of "mouse activity throughout the kitchen area" was also found. Hygienic food handling was found “generally satisfactory”.

Watford Observer: The food hygiene stickerThe food hygiene sticker (Image: Said Mahjub)

There were fears that vermin could be attracted because the outside bin area was heavily littered and needed a deep clean.

It was also found that raw meat was being stored next to ready to eat salad in the fridge, which raised concerns about cross contamination and bacteria from the meat.

The inspector highlighted that this was also raised at the last inspection.

Other issues included staff not washing their hands, including when they were handling food, and not wearing protective clothing. The clothing that was worn “was not clean” and this led to more fears regarding cross contamination.

Watford Observer: Tops Royal Cuisine/Said Mahjub

Mr Mahjub said Tops Royal Cuisine “sincerely appreciates” the work of the “excellent” inspectors at Watford Borough Council.

He said: “I am grateful for their hard work, and I feel that their efforts need to be acknowledged.

“Their commitment and attention to detail have ensured that our staff works in a safe environment, and this excellence in service really sets them apart.”

The details of the new report are not yet availiable.