I tried Watford takeaway with 1/5 food hygiene rating - our verdict

Spiceland Kebabish in Whippendell Road had its food safety management rated 'major improvement needed', while hygienic food handling and cleanliness and condition of facilities also needed improvement.

The score was based on a July 25 inspection and published this month.

Its manager said there were trainee staff there during the assessment – but they have now completed the required training and he expects a better score soon.

I tried Watford takeaway Spiceland Kebabish. (Image: Newsquest)

Review

Upon entering, the interior was pleasant with clean floors and tables. The shop even showed off two hygiene and food handling certificates framed beside the counter namely a "level 2 award for health and safety in the workplace".

Joining the lunchtime rush, the main clientele was Sixth Form students from the nearby school – and it was packed – all letting me know it was "the spot" for a quick lunch.

This may have affected the wait time too, as the term 'fast food' was pushed to its absolute limit with my order. Twenty minutes went by before I eventually received my pile of mixed kebab meat, for a bargain £7.99.

The mixed kebab came with salad and chips. (Image: Newsquest) Like many others, I associate a kebab with many drunken nights out on the town as a way of sobering you up. Therefore, it was odd to be consuming a plate at 1pm, but it was enjoyable, a variety of meats all cooked with the trademark charcoal flavour.

The mint yogurt sauce, salad and garnish of three cucumber slices helped make the meal fulfilling considering its cheap price. So far, so good.

However, next stop was the toilet, which sadly was pretty unpleasant with urine all over the bowl and floor. Clearly little can be done to make people excrete respectfully, but you'd like to think regular checks and cleaning would still prevent me encountering that.

The toilet was pretty unpleasant. (Image: Newsquest)

Conclusion

The food was pleasant, albeit not served quickly, and most of the premises seemed clean. Also the hoards of students enjoying the food suggested it must be doing a fair bit right. My main advice would be make sure to scrub the toilet before the next inspection.

Spiceland Kebabish (Image: Newsquest)