A CHINESE restaurant slammed last year by hygiene inspectors over rat droppings near crockery and take away food containers has undergone a transformation in standards.

The One Bar and Restaurant, in Botley Road, received a one-star rating when environmental health officers visited in May but following a reinspection last week the Oxford business has now been awarded the top rating of five stars.

Read our original story - Rat droppings and filthy equipment found at Asian restaurant

Of the three categories that make up the overall score, the Chinese restaurant was judged to be 'good' for food hygiene and safety, 'good' for structural compliance, which focuses on the building's cleanliness and facilities, and there was 'high' confidence in management.

It marks a turnaround from May last year when inspectors raised serious concerns about the restaurant's cleanliness.

Their report at the time stated: "The floor surfaces beneath cooking equipment was filthy with accumulations of grease, debris and liquid evident.

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"The shelving in the bar area was not in clean condition with an accumulation of dust and a sticky liquid adhered to some bar mats."

Management was also asked to bring in a pest control company to make sure the venue was pest free.

The inspectors said: "Rat droppings were found in an external store where crockery, equipment and take away food containers were stored. Suitable arrangements for pest control were not in place."

Oxford Mail:

Manager David Chu showing off all the World Cup flags on the ceiling of the One bar ahead of last year's tournament. Picture: Ed Nix

In July, manager David Chu apologised to customers, saying: "We hate to disappoint our customers, and have deeply disappointed ourselves, but we are confident that this situation would not happen again.”

He added: “It is a lesson learnt and we hope to restore the confidence of customers, as we continue to make the necessary improvements and we have indeed taken the necessary actions.”

Mr Chu had said it was 'unfair' the business would be stuck with the lower rating until a new inspection could be carried out by Oxford City Council.

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The Oxford Mail contacted Mr Chu to give the business a chance to talk about its improved score but he declined to comment.

Customers rave about the restaurant on review website Trip Advisor, one recent diner writing: "Can’t recommend this place enough. The food is outstanding. The staff are friendly and attentive and there is a good atmosphere."

Another added: "We are regular customers to The One because its a consistently great restaurant/bar that delivers first class food every time."