The report, which analysed Food Standards Agency (FSA) data for food businesses across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, found that the average food hygiene rating for hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses was an impressive 4.78. An outstanding 84.13% (9,402 establishments) received the top score
This marks a continued improvement on the 2024 High Speed Training report, where the score was 4.76, showing that this sector’s already high standards continue to rise. In total, a combined 10,684 establishments, or 95.61% of the category, scored a high rating of either 4 or 5.
Hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses performed exceptionally well compared to other business types. Their average of 4.78 is significantly higher than restaurants, cafes and canteens, which received an average score of 4.58 in the 2025 analysis. Just 4.39% (491 establishments) in the hotel sector scored a 3 or below, less than half the figure seen in the restaurant category (10.81%).
Only 7 hotels, B&Bs or guesthouses (0.06%) received a zero for their hygiene rating. This is a tiny fraction compared to the 221 zero-rated restaurants, 167 zero-rated takeaways, and 48 zero-rated pubs recorded in this year’s data.
When looking at all food businesses together, the top-scoring region was the South West, with an average rating of 4.67 from over 21,000 premises. This was followed by the North East and Northern Ireland (4.64) and the East Midlands (4.62).
London had the lowest average rating in the study, with a score of 4.38, though the area had by far the most establishments, with almost 36,000 premises contributing to the rating.
North West seaside town Southport topped the individual rankings, with a highly impressive 4.95 out of 5, closely followed by Ipswich and Lincoln and Stockton-On-Tees (all 4.89) and Hastings (4.86)
The bottom three were made up by Birmingham (4.11) and Wigan (4.09), and Bolton (4.08).
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) is a partnership with local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that was launched in 2010. It replaced a number of regional schemes, with the aim of providing hygiene information clearly and more effectively across the UK.
Following regular inspections, ratings are devised based on the standard of food handling hygiene, the physical condition of the premises and facilities and food safety management practices.
These ratings are then made available on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website and are usually visible from outside of the premises, often presented in a window near the entrance.
In Wales and Northern Ireland, it is compulsory for businesses to display their food hygiene rating. However, in England it is currently just considered best practice.
Paul Turner CEnvH, MCIEH, an Environmental Health Officer for North Yorkshire Council, said: “Since its inception 15 years ago, the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme has played a pivotal role in improving standards across the UK. It has been incredibly successful in allowing local authorities and EHOs to effectively engage with both businesses and consumers to communicate important messages around food hygiene and safety.
“Prior to the launch, a number of regional ‘Scores on the Doors’ schemes existed that, though they were effective, didn’t easily allow for national comparison and benchmarking. A national standard means greater consistency for businesses and provides the public easy access to this vital information.
“However, we would welcome some updates to the FHRS to make it more suitable for the current landscape, which relies heavily on food delivery apps and aggregators. We would like to see this information displayed more prominently across these apps, perhaps with a traffic light system for easy identification.
“We are also always pushing to make the display of food hygiene ratings in England mandatory, as it is in Wales and Northern Ireland, to ensure that consumers have all the information they need to make informed choices about where to spend their hard-earned money.”
Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at High Speed Training comments: “Food safety and robust hygiene practices should be of paramount importance to food businesses, and to the customers who use them. 15 years have passed since the launch of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, and its place in the industry is as vital as ever. These ratings are a direct reflection of how safely and hygienically that establishment operates, and we urge businesses and customers to take them seriously.
“For businesses that perform well, a high rating is a real selling point. However, establishments with a low hygiene rating can be extremely off-putting for customers, which ultimately have a significant impact on reputation and profitability.”
“Our report shows that, on average, standards remain high across the UK, and have improved from 2024. This commitment to correct food hygiene training for staff, alongside robust food management procedures and everyday good practices are crucial to keep performing at high standards.
“We would also urge customers to check the food hygiene ratings of establishments they wish to dine at, so that an informed call as to whether you eat there can be made.
Tags: Paul Turner North Yorkshire Council, Richard Anderson, High Speed Training. Food Standards Agency (FSA)
