A TAKEAWAY shop slapped with the lowest food hygiene rating possible has been told ‘major improvement’ is necessary following an inspection.

Marmaris Grill in Barrow was given a score of zero after council inspectors visited the eatery on September 23.

The Duke Street takeaway had previously been rated a four out of five by inspectors in 2019.

Since then the business, which sells pizzas, burgers, kebabs, fried chicken and more, has been told ‘major improvement’ is necessary in all areas, including hygienic food handling, cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building and management of food safety.

A spokesman for Marmaris Grill said they were ‘shocked’ to receive a rating of zero following a council inspection.

Takeaway bosses said they have already made improvements identified by the council and have requested another inspection in a few weeks’ time.

Councillor Tony Callister, Barrow Borough Council's licensing committee chair, said: "Businesses that handle food are inspected under the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme to ensure they comply with current legislation on food safety.

"On this occasion, the Marmaris Grill in Duke Street, received a zero rating following a visit to the premises in September."

Marmaris Grill has received mixed reviews online, with some praising the friendly staff and others critiquing the quality of the food.

One reviewer said: “Prices higher, portion sizes smaller, meat is under cooked. Pay extra for a larger portion yet still get the small portion. Used to be a decent place.”

Another said: “Very nice food from here the pizzas are good as well as the kebabs. I’ve had delivery and collected, quick delivery times and great friendly staff.”

One reviewer said: “Quality has really gone downhill. Chips were soggy and tasted like paint, pizza and donner meat was mediocre at best. Will not be ordering from Marmaris again.”

The takeaway is among just two establishments in the town which have been rated a zero.

Wrapport, in Cavendish Street, was also awarded the low score in June this year.

READ MORE: Barrow takeway Wrapport handed zero hygiene rating

The fast-food restaurant was told ‘urgent improvement’ was needed for its hygienic food handling and ‘major improvement’ was necessary for its management of food safety following the inspection.