The best and worst places in the UK for food hygiene ratings as London ranks bottom and South West tops the lists

The towns and cities across the UK that score highest and lowest for their food hygiene ratings have been revealed, thanks to a report from leading online training provider High Speed Training, marking 15 years since the introduction of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.

The report, which analysed Food Standards Agency (FSA) data for over 240,000 food businesses across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, found that across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the average food hygiene rating across surveyed businesses was 4.56.

A similar report run in 2024 by High Speed Training calculated the score at 4.55, showing that food hygiene standards have slightly improved in recent years, with 88% of businesses scoring a 4 or 5, and 71% scooping top marks.

The top scoring region was the South West, with an average rating of 4.67 from over 21,000 premises. This was followed by Northern Ireland and the North East (both 4.64)  and the East Midlands (4.63). The 2024 report also placed the South West top, with Northern Ireland second, and the North East and East Mids joint third.

Across England, Northern Ireland and Wales, 469 premises scored a zero, with 7,599 (11.9%) premises scoring a 3 or below.

London had the lowest average rating in the study, as it did in 2024, with a score of 4.38. However, London had by far the most establishments, with almost 36,000 premises contributing to the rating. The capital also increased its rating from 2024, by 0.02.

North West seaside town Southport topped the individual rankings, with a highly impressive 4.95 out of 5, closely followed by Ipswich, Lincoln, and Stockton-on-Tees (all 4.89) and Hastings (4.86).

The bottom three included Bolton (4.08), Wigan (4.08) and Birmingham (4.11), with the latter’s rating dropping by a UK wide high of 0.29.

However, if London boroughs were counted as separate towns, they would claim the three bottom spots in the country – Newham: 4.02, Ealing: 3.93, Waltham Forest: 3.89.

The biggest improvers were Halifax (4.39), who improved their rating by 0.19, placing them 43rd in the overall rankings. The biggest faller was West Bromwich (4.16), who saw their rating drop by 0.26, placing them 55th in the overall rankings.

High Speed Training’s report also found that 1 in 5  takeaways (20%) across England, Wales and Northern Ireland scored a 3 or below for their food hygiene rating.

In big cities, this number rose significantly. In Birmingham (38%), Manchester (33%), and Liverpool (31%), the numbers were noticeably higher.

All in all, 480 premises scored a 0, and 3,426 scored just a 1 for their rating.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) is a partnership with local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that was launched in 2010. It replaced a number of regional schemes, with the aim of providing hygiene information clearly and more effectively across the UK.

Following regular inspections, ratings are devised based on the standard of food handling hygiene, the physical condition of the premises and facilities and food safety management practices. These ratings are then made available on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website and are usually visible from outside of the premises, often presented in a window near the entrance.

In Wales and Northern Ireland, it is compulsory for businesses to display their food hygiene rating. However, in England it is currently just considered best practice.

Paul Turner CEnvH, MCIEH, an Environmental Health Officer for North Yorkshire Council, said: “Since its inception 15 years ago, the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme has played a pivotal role in improving standards across the UK. It has been incredibly successful in allowing local authorities and EHOs to effectively engage with both businesses and consumers to communicate important messages around food hygiene and safety.

“Prior to the launch, a number of regional ‘Scores on the Doors’ schemes existed that, though they were effective, didn’t easily allow for national comparison and benchmarking. A national standard means greater consistency for businesses and provides the public easy access to this vital information.

“However, we would welcome some updates to the FHRS to make it more suitable for the current landscape, which relies heavily on food delivery apps and aggregators. We would like to see this information displayed more prominently across these apps, perhaps with a traffic light system for easy identification.

“We are also always pushing to make the display of food hygiene ratings in England mandatory, as it is in Wales and Northern Ireland, to ensure that consumers have all the information they need to make informed choices about where to spend their hard-earned money.”

Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at High Speed Training comments: “Food safety and robust hygiene practices should be of paramount importance to food businesses, and to the customers who use them. 15 years have passed since the launch of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, and its place in the industry is as vital as ever.

These ratings are a direct reflection of how safely and hygienically that establishment operates, and we urge businesses and customers to take them seriously. 

“For businesses that perform well, a high rating is a real selling point. However, establishments with a low hygiene rating can be extremely off-putting for customers, which ultimately has a significant impact on reputation and profitability.”

“Our report shows that, on average, standards remain high across the UK, and have improved from 2024. This commitment to correct food hygiene training for staff, alongside robust food management procedures and everyday good practices are crucial to keep performing at high standards.

“We would also urge customers to check the food hygiene ratings of establishments they wish to dine at, so that an informed call as to whether you eat there can be made.”

To view the report in full, and to see how your area compares to others, please click here