EATERIES around Barrow were put to the test by food hygiene inspectors who scored two popular outlets with zero out out of five.
Popular Italians Francescas in Duke Street and Clarkes hotel and restaurant, Rampside, were displeased with the results.
Inspectors visited Francescas on June 15 and spokesman for the family favourite pizzeria, Stuart Bowes said: "The marking system can be unfair and stars lost for the most minor of issues - the bigger the operation, the larger the inspection.
"Francescas has always been and always will be the safest of places to eat with the highest of standards.
"Our failures included cardboard on the potwash floor to avoid slipping, a cellar door held open during deliveries obstructing a hand basin and a split freezer lid which was temporarily repaired with gaffer tape.
"If anyone needs reassurance they should look to our sister establishment the Hotel Imperial which was recently awarded five stars."
Clarkes hotel was inspected on June 30 and staff were very upset with their rating.
Owner Thomas Twigge has been with the business for 16 years and this was their first low score but was confident standards were being met.
He said: "At any point anyone can ask to come into our kitchen and we will show you how we work.
"If customers are worried about the standards we are happy to show you.
"We weren't on top form but I was expecting a three or a four, how can we go from a five to zero instantly?"
The inspector had been due to return and check changes had been made but has not been back.
More ratings here: Askam and Dalton restaurants and their damning reviews
More here: South and West Cumbria react as ratings come in
The Ship Inn, in Yarlside Road, The Hot Potato in William Street and Vicky's Sandwich Bar in Anchor Road all scored one out of five in the 2016 recent round of inspections.
Success stories came from Daddy's cafe in Barrow market, Deli.sh in Crellin Street and Capuleti e Montecchi in Dalton Road, which all received a clean sheet scoring five out of five in the inspections.
Staff at Deli.sh were thrilled with their results and Michelin trained chef Sam Halpin ,who runs the store, said: "We work really hard to keep our high rating and find working with the inspectors really helpful and talk with them to make sure everything is OK."
Dalton Road's Italian Capuleti e Montecchi were happy with the outcome of their inspection but insisted hard work was needed to pass.
Restaurant manager Fitin Tapacolli said: "The ratings are very strict and for us it went very well.
"We were well prepared and keep a very clean kitchen so for us it was a pleasant visit and experience."
To see more ratings for you area or see the full set of listings check www.ratings.food.gov.uk .
Related article: Trio of South Cumbria restaurants named among best in country in top guide
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