One of the isle's most iconic venues which temporarily shut its kitchen after a damning food hygiene inspection has made an impressive turnaround in eight weeks.

Margate Winter Gardens, in Fort Crescent in Margate, was ordered by the Food Standards Agency to make major improvements after problems with cleanliness, food safety and the condition of the facilities were flagged up by inspectors in September.

The venue, which is more than 100 years old and serves thousands of guests each year, lost its five star hygiene rating and was downgraded to the second to lowest grading of one.

But following a re-inspection on Wednesday (Nov 13), the historic venue was re-instated with the top mark of five by the FSA - just eight weeks after its fall from grace.

Kevin Fordham, managing director of Your Leisure Kent, which runs the Winter Gardens, says they are delighted they can once again provide the assurance of high standards that customers expect.

"Previously, Margate Winter Gardens had scored 'very good' in the categories of hygienic food handling and kitchen cleanliness," he said.

"However, specific issues in part relating to redundant equipment in the bar cellars and several maintenance issues (building condition), temporarily downgraded the venue’s long-standing FSA five rating status.

"Working closely with Environmental Health, the management team at Margate Winter Gardens addressed the areas of concern to quickly turn the negative rating around to the highest possible."

Julian Moore, head chef and catering manager, says they are pleased they can restore confidence in customers.

"The team and I are looking forward to serving the thousands of guests booked in at the venue this party season," he added.

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