A popular pub has been handed a new 5/5 food hygiene rating after its latest inspection.

Ranked among our readers' best pubs list, The Royal Oak in Watford Heath was given the maximum score by the Food Standards Agency.

Following an assessment on August 28, the pub was rated 'very good' in hygienic food handling, including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage.

It was judged to have a 'good' standard of cleanliness and condition of facilities. Buildings also had appropriate layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control to facilitate food hygiene.

Its management of food safety was also rated 'good', as it has systems and checks in place to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat, and staff have sufficient knowledge of food safety. 

It comes after new landlords took over The Royal Oak changed hands in March.

At the time, outgoing landlords Sue and Lee Colbert said: "While it's bittersweet to say goodbye, we feel incredibly grateful to have met so many amazing people and fantastic customers.

“It's very nice here, a lovely little spot on this heath.”

Of Watford's 39 pubs, bars and nightclubs with ratings, 30 now have 5/5 and none have 0/5.

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