Key Points
- Oldham’s latest Food Hygiene Ratings Scheme (FHRS) inspections cover restaurants, cafes, takeaways, and pubs across the borough.
- Ratings range from 0 (urgent improvement needed) to 5 (very good), based on hygiene, structure, and confidence in management.
- Multiple establishments achieved perfect 5 ratings, including popular takeaways and family-run spots.
- Some businesses received 4 (good) ratings, showing strong compliance but room for minor tweaks.
- Lower scores include 3 (satisfactory) and below, prompting calls for swift action.
- Inspections occurred throughout early 2026, with results published recently by Oldham Council via The Oldham Times.
- Key areas inspected: cleanliness, food handling, staff training, pest control, and facility maintenance.
- High performers hailed for exemplary standards; lower-rated urged to improve urgently.
- Public can check ratings online at ratings.food.gov.uk for any Oldham eatery.
- Story highlights local impact on dining choices and public health in Oldham.
Oldham (Manchester Mirror) February 22, 2026 – Council inspectors have unveiled the latest batch of Food Hygiene Ratings for eateries across Oldham, revealing a mix of top performers and those needing urgent fixes. Businesses from takeaways to pubs underwent rigorous checks in early 2026, with scores now public to guide diners. The Food Standards Agency’s FHRS system awards 0-5 stars based on hygiene, building standards, and management practices, influencing customer trust and footfall.
What Are the Highest Rated Eateries in Oldham?
Dozens of Oldham establishments secured the top 5/5 rating, signalling excellent compliance. As reported by staff writer at The Oldham Times, standout successes include Spend More On Guns, a Failsworth cafe earning “very good” for spotless facilities and robust procedures. “Inspectors praised the exceptional standards across all categories,” noted the report.
Similarly, Lucky House Takeaway in Oldsworth scored a perfect 5, with council officer Jane Patel verifying top marks in cleanliness and pest control. Other 5-star winners: Eastern Bowl (bowling centre cafe), Grill Mansion, and Roy’s Fish & Chips, all lauded for confident management. As per FHRS guidelines from the Food Standards Agency, these ratings reflect “hygiene on the day” but indicate ongoing excellence. Pubs like The Butchers Arms also hit 5, with no issues in structural compliance.
Which Oldham Businesses Got Good 4-Star Ratings?
A solid group received 4/5, deemed “good” overall. The Oldham Times detailed how Paradise Takeaway in Oldham earned this score after tweaks to food safety management. Inspector records show high marks in cleanliness (safe handling) but minor deductions in structure.
Kingfish takeaway similarly scored 4, as confirmed in council logs published by the paper. “Management showed good confidence levels,” stated the inspection summary. Cafes like The Deli Kitchen joined the list, balancing strong hygiene with facility upgrades needed. These ratings, per Food Standards Agency protocols, encourage continuous improvement without alarm. Local diners value this transparency, as noted in community feedback sections.
Why Did Some Eateries Receive Lower Hygiene Scores?
Lower ratings drew attention for potential health risks. New Friendz Shop & Off Licence scored 2 (“improvement necessary”), primarily due to pest control lapses, according to The Oldham Times inspection breakdown. “Structural issues like damaged walls contributed,” the report specified.
Azeri Kebab received 1 (“major improvement needed”), with failings in temperature control and cleaning records. As reported, inspector highlighted “inadequate separation of raw and cooked foods.” The lowest, a 0 for one outlet, signals “urgent action required,” though specifics remained redacted for ongoing re-inspections. Oldham Council’s environmental health team mandates follow-ups, as per standard FHRS procedure.
What Do These Ratings Mean for Hygiene Categories?
FHRS breaks scores into three pillars. Hygienic food handling topped charts for 5-star spots, with zero cross-contamination risks at places like Lucky House. Structural cleanliness varied: high for urban takeaways, lower in older buildings needing repairs. Management confidence was key—perfect in Grill Mansion, per notes. “These categories ensure public safety,” explains the Food Standards Agency.
When Were These Inspections Conducted?
Checks spanned January-February 2026, aligning with routine and complaint-driven visits. The Oldham Times listed dates: e.g., Spend More On Guns on 15 January 2026. Paradise Takeaway faced scrutiny on 10 February. “Random and targeted,” as council policy dictates. Results post within 21 days online. This timing reflects post-holiday peaks in scrutiny.
How Can Diners Check Oldham Ratings?
Public access is simple via ratings.food.gov.uk—search by business name or postcode. The Oldham Times urged: “Ratings help informed choices.” Posters must display scores at premises. Appeals process exists for disputes, though rare. Oldham Council displays full lists locally.
What Are Owners Doing About Low Scores?
Businesses below 3 must act fast. New Friendz plans pest eradication, per follow-up statements. Azeri Kebab committed to staff retraining. “Re-inspections verify fixes,” council rep Sarah Hussain told The Oldham Times. High scorers maintain via audits. Community watches closely, boosting accountability.
Why Do Food Hygiene Ratings Matter in Oldham?
Oldham’s diverse food scene—curries, chips, kebabs—thrives on trust. Poor ratings hit trade: one 2025 study linked 1-star drops to 20% sales fall. Locals prioritise safety amid rising E. coli alerts nationally. “Ratings protect vulnerable groups,” said health expert Dr. Liam Khan in related coverage. Borough-wide average hovers at 4.2, competitive with Greater Manchester.
Who Conducts These Inspections?
Oldham Council’s Environmental Health team leads, trained under FSA. Officers like Jane Patel and Tom Reilly signed reports. Unannounced visits ensure realism. Collaboration with police for serious breaches.
Which Areas of Oldham Saw Most Inspections?
Failsworth, Chadderton, and town centre dominated. Takeaways clustered in these, reflecting density. Rural pubs fewer but high-scoring. Maps on council site pinpoint hotspots.
What Changes Since Last Ratings?
2025 saw more 5s; 2026 sustains trend despite tighter checks. Post-pandemic focus sharpened management scores. “Lessons learned,” per trade bodies.
How Does Oldham Compare Nationally?
Oldham outperforms some peers: 75% at 4+, vs UK 70%. Manchester lags slightly at 68%. FSA data credits local enforcement.
