The boss of one of Liverpool's longest-standing restaurants has hit out at health inspectors over a one star hygiene rating.
In September last year, popular Greek restaurant Zorbas, was given the second lowest food hygiene rating after an inspection by Liverpool Council. The rating means that major improvement is necessary.
The ECHO has received a full copy of the report using Freedom of Information requests. The report identifies a number of issues found during the September inspection, including over the labelling and cooling of food.
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Inspectors also raised issues with the restaurants documentation, stating that there was a "very poor attempt" at completion of key reports that restaurants are required to keep updated.
The report also raised concerns over a leaking hot water pipe and said further staff training was needed at Zorbas for issues like correctly cooling foods and temperature control.
Having received the full report, the ECHO contacted Zorbas for a response. Owner Louisa Michael hit back strongly at what she said was an unfair hygiene rating.
She said: "The restaurant is very clean, we have never had any complaints from our customers in 49 years serving Liverpool.
"The restaurant is spotless but we didn't have our books, I think it (one star rating) was very unfair."
Mrs Michael owns the restaurant with her husband Haralambous, who founded Zorbas back in 1974 when he visited Liverpool from Brighton and fell in love with the city.
Starting out as a tiny restaurant that could only serve 20 covers it has expanded over the years and can now welcome 100 diners at any one time. After nearly 50 years in business it is one of the oldest and best known restaurants in the city.
Louisa said she is confident that when inspectors return to Zorbas the iconic restaurant will receive a much higher rating. She said: "My restaurant is spotless, we use quality meats and produce, no one around here serves what we do. My restaurant is not dirty.
"I am confident that when they come back we will get a higher rating."
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