Owner of Woolpit Indian restaurant Mon Mon Spice celebrates four-star food hygiene rating after 'damaging' one-star in March

The owner of a Suffolk Indian restaurant has said he is 'pleased' with a newly-appointed four-star food hygiene rating after a previous one-star rating 'damaged' his business.

Jimmy Uddin opened Mon Mon Spice in Woolpit, just off the A14 near Bury St Edmunds, in February this year following an 18-month renovation during the pandemic.

He said the one-star rating, which was handed to the restaurant after an inspection on March 24, stemmed from issues with unfinished paperwork and administration rather than problems with cleanliness.

"We didn't keep a proper record at the time, it wasn't up to date," Mr Uddin said.

"The place isn't dirty. We know how to cook and what to do. We know what cross contamination is. It wasn't done because we had only just opened."

On July 8, a Mid Suffolk District Council inspector awarded Mon Mon Spice four stars, an improvement Mr Uddin said he was 'pleased' with. He added that when he is inspected again in September he expects to be awarded a fifth.

Mr Uddin, who also runs Fox Thai Restaurant in Elmswell, said 'people love the food' and that all of the ingredients are 'fresh' and 'locally sourced'.

"I don't think there is a better place than this in the whole area. The place is immaculate inside, even the outside is brilliant," said Mr Uddin.

"If anyone wants to come and look around they are always welcome - I have nothing to hide."

He also spoke of the 'damage' to the restaurant's reputation and said he noted a decline in customers after several people took to social media to discuss the poor rating.

"Before you get on the bandwagon and get a vendetta you should realise what you are doing to the business," he said.

As of next week, Mon Mon Spice is offering a dine-in deal as a 'thank-you' to their customers - tables of four and above can get 20 per cent off their meals from Sunday to Thursday.

Takeaway customers can also get a third off their collections between 6pm and 9pm, Sunday to Thursday.