A FRIED chicken takeaway in Andover has been handed a food hygiene rating of two-out-of-five following inspection.

Showboat Southern Fried Chicken, in Union Street, serves a range of dishes including chicken sandwiches, kebabs, burgers, wraps, vegetarian options, and apple pie.

The takeaway was rated 'improvement necessary' after food hygiene inspectors visited the establishment on January 24.

Food safety officers rate food hygiene by handling of food, the cleanliness and condition of the building and facilities, and the officer's confidence in the establishment.

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Andover Advertiser: Showboat Southern Fried Chicken

Handling of food at the takeaway which includes the preparation, cooking, and storage of food, was found to require improvement.

The cleanliness and condition of the facilities and buildings, which includes assessment of the layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control was deemed 'generally satisfactory'.

The inspection also found that checks are in place at the kebab shop to ensure that the food sold or served is safe to eat, and staff’s knowledge of food safety is 'generally satisfactory'.

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The takeaway is owned by brothers Khalil and Amjad Barahmeh, who took over the business in 1991.

Amjad said: "The rating is just temporary, we complied with everything they asked us to do. 

"They are coming back to reassess soon, so it won't be the final rating."

Showboat Southern Fried Chicken previously held a rating of four-out-of-five following an inspection on July 28, 2022.