Here are eight eateries in the Braintree area which received top hygiene ratings this year

Premises across the borough are rated by the Food Standards Agency, based on the findings of local authority inspectors, who work all year round.

The hygiene standards found at the time of inspection are then rated on a scale.

Five is top of the scale, meaning the hygiene standards are very good and fully comply with the law.

Zero is at the bottom of the scale, meaning urgent improvement is necessary.

Here are eight restaurants and cafés who all scored the highest rating of five this year:

The Chequers Inn, Felsted

Food Hygiene and Safety: Very Good

Structural Compliance: Very Good

Confidence in Management: High

Date of award: October 6

Hasturk Bar Meze Grill, Braintree

Food Hygiene and Safety: Good

Structural Compliance: Good

Confidence in Management: Good

Date of award: September 2

The Welsh Princess, Rayne

Food Hygiene and Safety: Very Good

Structural Compliance: Very Good

Confidence in Management: Good

Date of award: March 16

The Green Dragon, Black Notley

Food Hygiene and Safety: Good

Structural Compliance: Good

Confidence in Management: High

Date of award: February 20

KFC, Braintree

Food Hygiene and Safety: Very Good

Structural Compliance: Very Good

Confidence in Management: High

Date of award: February 13

Nandos, Braintree

Food Hygiene and Safety: Very Good

Structural Compliance: Good

Confidence in Management: High

Date of award: February 13

The Fox Inn, Finchingfield

Food Hygiene and Safety: Good

Structural Compliance: Good

Confidence in Management: Good

Date of award: February 5

Il Salice, Cressing

Food Hygiene and Safety: Good

Structural Compliance: Good

Confidence in Management: Good

Date of award: February 5

There were a number of other eateries and cafes which scored the top rating. However, further details were not available.

They include:

• Masefield Takeaway, Braintree
• The Nurture Barn, Great Bardfield
• Toast, Braintree
• Costa, Braintree