A PUB in a Maldon village has been handed a new five-out-of-five food hygiene rating.

The Jolly Sailor pub in Basin Road, Heybridge, was given the highest score after assessment on March 15, the Food Standards Agency's website shows.

The family and dog friendly pub offers alcohol and soft drinks to customers as well as fresh homecooked food and seafood, with indoor and outdoor seating areas.

It has an overall four star rating on Tripadvisor with 482 reviews, and comes second in the top ten restaurants in Heybridge on the site.

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Its seafood platter is popular with pub-goers which has earned it five star reviews, with customers noting its generous size.

One recent five star review said: "Absolutely fantastic. Came here for a belated Valentine's meal and had the seafood platters. 

"Food is gorgeous and there's just so much.

"One of the best places I've ever eaten at and the staff are so lovely.

"Cannot rate this place highly enough."

The pub's new five-star rating means of Maldon's 66 pubs, bars and nightclubs with ratings, 53 have ratings of five and none have zero ratings.