Reigate and Banstead is a great borough to enjoy Christmas – there are plenty of restaurants, pubs and bars to enjoy a meal or evening out and get into the festive spirit. At this time of year, you’re probably likely to be enjoying more festive meals out than usual, and, if anything can ruin your Christmas, it’s a nasty bout of food poisoning. 

So, don’t just check out the menu, check out the food hygiene rating as well.

Make sure your turkey and stuffing doesn’t leave you with a bad taste

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme rates eateries and other places that sell food on their hygiene standards, based on inspections we carry out. So, whether you’re off out to your work Christmas do or treating yourself to a takeaway while you put the tree up, it’s easy to check the food hygiene rating.

You can check the rating on the move, by downloading a free phone app from the Food Standards Agency. The scheme rates food outlets on a scale ranging from zero at the bottom to a top rating of five. Or, you can look in the windows of businesses for the green and black sticker which will show its rating.

In the borough, 72% of businesses signed up to the scheme have achieved the five star rating, which means there’s a lot of choice for your Christmas dinner this year!

And, after the fun…

If you’re planning to have a drink or two, then it’s important you plan how you’re getting home after your Christmas meal or drink. If you’re planning on travelling home or to a train station by taxi, remember to only use ones that we’ve licensed.

It’s easy to spot a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle by the licence sticker on the back of the vehicle and on the inside of the front windscreen. Don’t just be tempted to jump into any taxi. It could end in disaster. Visit our website for more information about licensed taxis and make sure you stay travel safe this Christmas.