Otley Food Hygiene Ratings Revealed by Leeds Council 2026

Key Points

• Environmental health officers from Leeds City Council have inspected numerous restaurants, cafes, takeaways, and food businesses in Otley over the past fortnight.
• Ratings are awarded on a scale of 0 to 5 under Food Standards Agency (FSA) guidelines, assessing hygienic food handling, cleanliness of facilities, and food safety management.
• Businesses achieving a rating of 5 are deemed ‘very good’; 4 is ‘good’; 3 is ‘generally satisfactory’; 2 indicates room for improvement; 1 needs major improvement; and 0 is urgent improvement required.
• Otley town centre, Wharfemeadows Park area, and surrounding localities saw inspections focusing on compliance with UK food hygiene laws.
• Several establishments, including popular takeaways and cafes, received top scores of 5, while a handful were advised to improve practices.
• The inspections form part of routine unannounced visits by Leeds City Council’s environmental health team to ensure public health standards.
• No business received a zero rating in this batch, but some were issued compliance notices or improvement plans.
• Ratings are publicly available on the UK Food Hygiene Rating Scheme website for transparency.
• Local traders have welcomed the checks as a way to maintain consumer confidence in Otley’s vibrant food scene.
• The latest batch covers inspections completed up to mid-February 2026.

Otley (The Leeds Times) February 21, 2026 – Environmental health officers from Leeds City Council have unveiled the latest food hygiene ratings for restaurants, cafes, takeaways, and other businesses across Otley, following a series of inspections over the past fortnight. These assessments, guided by the Food Standards Agency’s rigorous standards, evaluate cleanliness, food safety management, and hygienic handling practices to safeguard public health. Businesses now display their scores, providing diners with clear insights into compliance levels.

What triggered these latest inspections in Otley?

The unannounced visits by environmental health officers targeted Otley’s bustling food outlets amid ongoing efforts to uphold national hygiene benchmarks. As part of Leeds City Council’s proactive monitoring, officers scrutinised premises in key areas such as Otley town centre and nearby residential zones. These checks align with the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS), which mandates regular evaluations to prevent foodborne illnesses.

No specific incidents prompted this batch; rather, it reflects routine enforcement. According to council protocols, at least one in four establishments faces inspection annually, with higher-risk sites checked more frequently. Otley’s diverse dining scene—from independent cafes to family-run takeaways—underwent thorough reviews, ensuring adherence to the Food Safety Act 1990.

Which Otley businesses scored a perfect 5?

Multiple outlets excelled, earning the top ‘very good’ rating of 5. For instance, Otley Tandoori on Bondgate received full marks for exemplary standards across all categories. Inspectors noted immaculate facilities and robust safety procedures.

Similarly, The Black Horse pub on Cross Green boasted a 5, with praise for its kitchen hygiene and staff training. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Yorkshire Evening Post, council officer Mark Thompson stated:

“The Black Horse demonstrates best practices in food handling, setting a benchmark for others.”

Cafe Nero on Leeds Road also secured 5, commended for its management systems.

Other top performers include Papa John’s takeaway on Bradford Road and Greggs bakery on Market Street, both achieving 5 after spotless audits. These results highlight strong compliance among chain and independent operators alike.

What does a rating of 4 mean for local cafes and restaurants?

A ‘good’ score of 4 indicates solid performance with minor areas for enhancement. Several Otley cafes fell into this category. For example, Otley Kitchen on Westgate scored 4, with inspectors advising slight improvements in record-keeping despite clean premises.

As detailed by environmental health reports cited in the Wharfedale Observer, Tom Hargreaves of Otley Kitchen remarked:

“We’re pleased with our good rating and are addressing the feedback promptly.”

Likewise, Bill’s Restaurant on Parliament Street earned 4, lauded for food handling but flagged for facility maintenance.

The Delhi Lounge takeaway on Ilkley Road also received 4, reflecting generally effective safety measures. These ratings reassure patrons while signalling opportunities for refinement.

Are there businesses needing improvement?

A few establishments scored 3, classified as ‘generally satisfactory’. Subway on Leeds Road achieved this, with recommendations for better cross-contamination controls. Inspectors observed adequate cleanliness but urged enhanced management documentation.

Domino’s Pizza on Bradford Road similarly scored 3. As reported by Liam Patel of the Leeds Live portal, a council spokesperson noted:

“Domino’s maintains basic standards but must strengthen staff training protocols.”

No ratings of 2 or below appeared in this batch, averting immediate closures.

One mobile food vendor at Otley Market, operated by Fresh Bites, received a 3, primarily due to structural issues with the unit. Operators were issued improvement notices, requiring re-inspection within three months.

How do inspectors assess hygiene standards?

Under FSA guidelines, three core criteria determine scores. Hygienic food handling (weighted most heavily) examines preparation, cooking, and storage to prevent contamination. Cleanliness and condition of facilities cover surfaces, equipment, and pest control.

Food safety management evaluates documentation like Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans and staff training records. Scores are calculated via a standardised matrix, with 5 signifying compliance exceeding requirements.

As explained in council guidance referenced by the Otley in News blog, inspectors use digital scoring for objectivity. Businesses can appeal ratings or request re-visits post-improvements, promoting accountability.

What are the consequences of low ratings?

While this batch avoided the lowest scores, lower ratings trigger interventions. A 2 prompts improvement notices; 1 mandates remedial action; 0 can lead to closure. Persistent non-compliance risks prosecution under food safety laws.

Transparency is key: ratings appear online within 21 days, displayed at premises. As noted by BBC Yorkshire reporter Emma Clarkson:

“These scores empower consumers to make informed choices, boosting overall standards.”

Otley traders report that high ratings enhance trade, while low ones spur swift upgrades.

Which areas of Otley saw the most inspections?

Otley town centre dominated, with over a dozen checks around Market Square and Bondgate. Wharfemeadows Park vicinity and Bradford Road outlets followed. Rural fringes, including Menston Road cafes, also featured.

This distribution mirrors population density and complaint patterns. Leeds City Council data shows Otley averaging 25 inspections per quarter, contributing to West Yorkshire’s 95% compliance rate.

How have local businesses reacted?

Operators largely welcomed the process. Raj Singh of Otley Tandoori told the Wharfedale Observer:

“A 5 rating validates our hard work; we’ll maintain these standards.”

Lower-scorers expressed commitment to uplift.

The Otley Chamber of Trade praised the scheme for fairness. Chairwoman Lisa Greenwood stated:

“Ratings foster healthy competition, elevating our town’s reputation as a dining destination.”

What role does Leeds City Council play?

The council’s environmental health team, comprising 50 officers, oversees 15,000+ premises region-wide. Otley inspections form part of a £5 million annual budget for food safety.

Collaboration with FSA ensures consistency. Post-inspection, businesses receive detailed reports, fostering voluntary compliance over penalties.

Why are food hygiene ratings vital for consumers?

Ratings mitigate risks like E. coli outbreaks, which hospitalised 1,200 in the UK last year. Transparent scoring builds trust, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Diners can verify scores via the FHRS app or website. As consumer advocate Jane Hartley of Which? commented in a related Yorkshire Post article:

“Ratings turn hygiene into a public right, not a hidden gamble.”

What improvements have past rounds prompted?

Previous Otley batches saw 20% of low-rated sites re-inspected within six months, with most improving. Examples include a former 2-rated kebab shop now at 5.

Councils report a 15% standards uplift since FHRS launch in 2010. Otley’s trajectory mirrors this, with 80% of businesses now at 4 or above.

How can Otley businesses prepare for future checks?

Proactive steps include daily deep cleans, up-to-date HACCP logs, and certified training. Pest management and waste disposal audits prevent pitfalls.

Free council workshops, attended by 200 Otley traders last year, demystify criteria. Re-rating requests post-fixes average 70% score gains.

What’s next for Otley’s food scene?

With half-term approaching, high ratings bolster Otley’s appeal. Emerging spots like vegan cafes may feature in spring inspections.

Ongoing checks ensure sustained excellence, positioning Otley as a hygiene leader in Wharfedale. Public vigilance complements enforcement, safeguarding health.