An Indian restaurant has been hit with the lowest possible hygiene rating after having no hot water for 10 days.

Inspectors who visited Gram Spice in Biddenden, near Ashford, on September 12 found a catalogue of problems including “grubby walls” and “dirty” food tubs.

The spot in Headcorn Road, which also runs a takeaway service, has been contacted for comment.

Hygiene inspectors discovered prawns defrosting uncovered on a counter while “evidence of flies” was found around the food prep area.

Giving the business a zero out of five, the inspector wrote in their report: “The owner confirmed over the phone that there had been no hot water for 10 to 15 days.”

The business voluntarily closed following the finding but re-opened two days later after repairs were made to the boiler and hot water returned.

In the fridges and freezers, it was discovered products were not being stored correctly.

The report states: “There are lots of unlabelled and undated foodstuffs in the freezer.

“Two chiller fridges read okay temperature-wise, but there is again uncovered food with no dates or labels.

“Tubs used are dirty. Clingfilm is in use, but not much.”

In an outdoor storage area, the inspector found dirty fridges and freezers, one of which had a broken lid.

In these, ingredients again had no dates and were kept in carrier bags.

When questioned, the chef had “poor knowledge” of allergens and there were “gaps” in the knowledge of cooking procedures, according to the report.

“They are defrosting prawns uncovered at ambient temperatures and rice is only being heated to 60 degrees,” said the hygiene enforcer.

Rice should be reheated to at least 74 degrees to ensure it is safe to eat.

Spices were also being cross-contaminated above the hob, the report says.

The council officer described the walls and ceiling at Gram Spice as “grubby” adding: “The seal around the sink is dirty.

‘Bins are quite full with signs of flies...’

“The sanitiser used is a Tesco Multi-Purpose one, and it is only being used at the end of the night.”

The kitchen has a wooden edging which was deemed “unhygienic”.

Furthermore, flies were found at the business.

The report says: “The door to the food prep area is left open and I found evidence of flies. But three bits of fly paper are being used.

“There are open bins outside that are quite full with signs of flies,” the report says.

The vents and filters were dirty, but the staff at the time claimed they had been cleaned three days prior.

Specialising in Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine, the establishment operates a restaurant and takeaway service.