AN ITALIAN restaurant in Ringwood that received a disastrous food hygiene rating in February has cleaned up its act, earning the top rating possible on re-inspection.

Owner Vinnie Kurti and chef Gramo Zyberaj were “upset and disappointed” when a ‘one’ rating was published on New Forest District Council’s website after an inspection of Al Trullo on Christchurch Road in February.

The one rating, which meant ‘major improvement necessary’, was given to the restaurant after inspectors visited to look at the state of the kitchen.

The ratings system applies to all places that serve food to the public, including clubs and supermarkets, and if an establishment has been inspected it will have a sticker in the window.

But after changing the stairs carpet and kitchen tiles, Al Trullo is now celebrating a ‘five’ rating.

Mr Kurti said: “I was very upset and disappointed because the one rating was given because of the flooring and not the food. Our food is perfect.

“We were given a five-star rating last month and we were so pleased. We deserved a five-star but the flooring let us down.”