A Lincoln Caffè Nero branch has been told it needs to improve after scoring two out of five in its latest food hygiene rating.

The coffee shop at Exchange Arcade in the city’s Cornhill failed to completely satisfy inspectors from City of Lincoln Council on February 6 earlier this year.

Inspectors told the chain that ‘improvement was necessary’ after a look into its hygienic food handling.

This includes factors such as handling of food, preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooking and storage.

However, the cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building as well as management of food safety were deemed ‘generally satisfactory.’

When approached by Lincolnshire Live, an on-duty manager claimed the low score was down to the age of the building.

She said: “It is a very old store with cracked tiles.

“It wasn’t anything behind the bar or food hygiene - it was the building itself.”

The brief report as it appears on the Food Standards Agency website
The brief report as it appears on the Food Standards Agency website

The low score is likely to come as a surprise to many of its customers, who have left a string of positive reviews.

One review on Google said: “The coffee is amazing and the place absolutely perfect as for the books around, chilled out staff letting you drink your coffee, read the book, work on your laptop without disturbing you. Beautiful classical and peaceful music. Fantastic coffee.”

Another wrote: “Helpful staff. Excellent coffee. Brie and bacon paninis are gorgeous. Nice to sit In Waterstones n look at books whilst having coffee.”

One person commented: “Really nice coffee and would recommend.”

Another added: “Warm, friendly atmosphere and friendly polite staff.”

Caffe Nero has been approached for further comment.

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