Top Isle of Wight hotel The George secures top hygiene rating

The prestigious 17th century hotel, on the waters edge, attracts a well-heeled clientele and charges up to around £460 per night for a double room during the summer season.

Staff were happy to get the top rating before the busy Easter holidays - and it is now official on the Isle of Wight Council website.

Howard Spooner, owner of The George, said: "I would like to thank our dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly to have our five star rating restored.

"The George provides excellent food cooked with the best local ingredients, showcasing the best that the Isle of Wight has to offer."

Mr Spooner, a friend of Prince Harry, recently won a court battle over control of the hotel.

The hotel has had a chequered history with regards to food ratings.

In February 2016 it had a four star rating, which a year later plummeted to zero.

A further inspection in July 2017, six months later, found it was still a zero rating.

It went up to one star in February 2018, then up again to four stars in November 2018.

It then dropped to a one star rating in September 2021. Inspectors found there was "major improvement necessary" when it came to hygienic handling of food, including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage.

The same damning status was given to food safety — major improvement necessary in the areas of system or checks in place to ensure food sold or served is safe to eat, evidence that staff know about food safety, and the food safety officer has confidence that standards will be maintained in future.

However, the team vowed to make swift improvements and they have been as good as their word.

Dining at The George Hotel in Yarmouth.