NEW food hygiene ratings have been awarded to seven south Essex establishments; the Food Standards Agency’s website shows.

The scheme gives businesses a rating from five to zero, with five being hygiene standards are very good, and zero being urgent improvement is required.

Here are the establishments in south Essex that have been awarded a new hygiene rating:

Southend:

Victoria Cafe at 323 Chartwell North (Plaza Centre), Southend was handed a five-out-of-five rating after assessment on May 17.

Cult Coffee and Tattoos at 112 Leigh Road, Leigh was handed a five-out-of-five rating after assessment on April 30.

The Spread Eagle Public House at The Spread Eagle, 263 - 267 Victoria Avenue, Southend was handed a five-out-of-five rating after assessment on May 16.

The Woodcutters Arms at 307 Eastwood Road North, Leigh was handed a five-out-of-five rating after assessment on May 14.

Famous Chef at 374 Rayleigh Road, Eastwood was handed a five-out-of-five rating after assessment on May 1

Stacey's Pie Shop, a restaurant, cafe, or canteen at 221 Timberlog Lane, Basildon was handed a four-out-of-five rating after assessment on April 19.

Crabby’s Land and Sea, a takeaway at 1a High Street, Billericay was handed a two-out-of-five rating after assessment on April 19.