Worthing restaurant bounces back with five-star rating

W29594H14 China Palace owner Victor Hang and his team with their new five-star certificate

THE owner of a Chinese restaurant is hoping its new five-star food hygiene rating will entice customers back to eat there, after it was slammed by inspectors earlier in the year.

China Palace, in Chapel Road, Worthing, received a zero rating back in March after inspectors highlighted issues such as mouse droppings in the kitchen and a lack of wash basins.

However, following a review, the issues have been addressed and the restaurant has been given the top rating.

Vincent Hang, owner of China Palace, said: “Having to spend three months at zero was a bit of a nightmare, so getting five back is good for everyone.

“We have been here for ten years and the system we had been running was ten-years-old. The way the kitchen is run has changed. There’s a lot more done in terms of paperwork.”

Mr Hang said the zero rating had a big impact on the number of customers eating at the restaurant. He estimated that footfall had decreased by 50 per cent, however added that business had ‘picked up a bit’ since the restaurant was rewarded with the five-star rating.

“We would like to thank all our loyal customers who stuck with us through the tough period,” said Mr Hang.