Festive diners are advised to ‘look before they book’ when planning a Christmas meal out in Bucks.

The Food Standards Agency said people should check a restaurant’s food hygiene rating, which is determined by local authority food safety officers.

Restaurants are marked from nought to a high of five.

Ninety-three per cent of food businesses in Bucks are rated three or better.

South Bucks District Council’s cabinet member for health and housing, Councillor Jennifer Woolveridge, said: “It’s easy to check hygiene ratings online and choose a restaurant for Christmas parties that takes food hygiene seriously. A good food hygiene rating is something to be proud of.

Visit www.food.gov.uk/ratings to check
a rating or look for the green and black sticker on the restaurant. If you cannot see one, just ask.