On Saturday 9th August, something exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking) happened at our little coffee shop. We had a ‘drop-in’ unannounced food hygiene inspection from Cheshire East Council.
For those who don’t know, here’s how the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme works:
- 5★ – Very good (the top rating!)
- 4★ – Good
- 3★ – Generally satisfactory
- 2★ – Some improvement needed
- 1★ – Major improvement needed (translation: probably best to steer clear!)
- 0★ – Urgent improvement necessary
So, what did St John’s Coffee Shop get?
👉 A sparkling, shining, top-of-the-scale 5★ rating!
And we couldn’t be more proud.
What does that mean? It’s not just about a tidy counter or a polished coffee machine. To achieve 5 stars, a food business has to show:
- High hygiene standards: A spotless environment and safe food handling.
- Compliance with food safety rules: Correct storage, temperature control, and preparation of food.
- Documentation and record-keeping: Careful logging of key safety checks (yes, there’s paperwork behind the cake and drinks!).
- Trained staff: Everyone needs to know how to handle food safely.
- Regular cleaning and maintenance: Not just once in a while, but a schedule that keeps every corner clean.
The inspection is carried out by Environmental Health Officers, who look at everything from cleanliness to food handling, storage, and record-keeping before awarding a rating.
A huge shout-out to Diane, our duty manager on the day, who handled the inspection with absolute calm and professionalism—the kind you’d expect from a big commercial chain, but with all the heart and care that makes our little volunteer-run coffee shop so special.
This 5-star award is a real testimony to our managers and team, who put in hours of commitment, training, and behind-the-scenes work (probably more than the Archbishop himself!) to make sure everything we serve is safe, fresh, and prepared with love.
So when you pop in for your barista coffee and a slice of homemade cake, you can relax knowing you’re in very safe hands—delicious treats, warm smiles, and a coffee shop you can feel confident in! 🎉
We’re so grateful for everyone’s hard work, and for our loyal customers who keep coming back week after week.
Spread the word, tell your friends, and we’ll see you at St John’s soon—coffee and cake never tasted so good with a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ seal of approval.
❤️ The St John’s Coffee Shop Team
