A Burnham Market hotel has been awarded a five out of five food hygiene rating, just over three months after it was rated one out of five.

The Hoste's top mark means the hotel's new state-of-the-art £150,000 kitchen, reviewed for the first time since its installation, is in the highest possible order.

Co-owner Brendan Hopkins said: 'We are delighted with the best ever results of the inspection.

'Not only does this most accurately reflect the high standards we pride ourselves on at The Hoste, but it's the first time the hotel has received the maximum five star rating.

'It's an absolute credit to the team here at The Hoste.'

Hoste Arms owner confident of turnaround after hotel's one out of five food hygiene rating

The Hoste was originally inspected by the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk as part of the Scores on the Doors scheme, at the end of March.

Mr Hopkins requested a re-inspection which was carried out last week.

That gave The Hoste the highest possible marks for food hygiene, safety, confidence in management and structure and cleaning.

Mr Hopkins said the new kitchen, installed two months ago, will help the business to provide high quality food efficiently and enable the restaurant to welcome more customers.

It has resulted in The Hoste taking on six new chefs and Mr Hopkins said the new kitchen was key in achieving the dramatically improved rating.

The kitchen is the latest in a £2m redevelopment of The Hoste undertaken since Mr Hopkins and his wife, Bee, bought the hotel in 2012.

That has included a new garden room, bedrooms and New Zealand-style lodge dining area.

Mr Hopkins said: 'The business is doing well. We are 4pc up on last year and are moving forward all the time.'

On request, any customers who dine at The Hoste will be offered the opportunity to view the kitchens.

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