NEW food hygiene ratings have been handed to eight establishments in the Braintree district.

Restaurants, cafes, and takeaways have all been handed new food hygiene ratings by the Food Standards Agency.

What do the numbers mean?

0 - urgent improvement necessary

1 - major improvements necessary

2 - improvements necessary

3 - business generally satisfactory

4 - business good on assessment

5 - business seen as very good

Tabor Centre in Courtald Road, Braintree was handed a five-out-of-five rating, as were the Holiday Inn Express at Panners Roundabout, and the Coffee House in the Gardens in Bocking End.

Four fresh ratings were given to pubs, bars and nightclubs in the district.

The Square and Compasses in Fuller Street, Fairstead, was handed a five-out-of-five rating, the Food Standards Agency's website shows.

Two others were also given a score of five, these being the Braintree Bowls Club in Clare Road, and the Coggeshall Conservative Club, in Church Street.

The Cheery Tree in Cressing Road, Witham, was handed a three-out-of-five when it was rated last month.

Finally, one takeaway was handed a new rating, which was The Dessert Club Essex in Hatfield Road, Witham.

It was given a full score of five.