THE owner of a Quarry Bank restaurant taken to court by Dudley Council has said it has turned things around and now boasts a five star hygiene rating.

Koyla Kitchen on Thorns Road was hit with a £27k fine for hygiene failings and failure to protect the health, safety, and welfare of employees, which were uncovered after inspectors visited in January 2022.

Owner Inderjit Pandher said it took action - taking on new head chef Abdal Butt and manager Boots Somel last May - and got its first five-star hygiene rating last June.

The eatery serves curries, burgers, Indian grill, fish and chips and carveries and has a four-star rating on Trip Advisor with many praising its food.

Inderjit, aged 47, whose late husband Jagdeep Singh Pandher started the restaurant in 2015, said: "The court case was from an inspection last January - there were mitigating circumstances as my father had died a few weeks before, so I wasn't on site.

"The inspectors have been working with us to improve things. We went down to a one-star hygiene rating after the inspection last year - but then back up to a five-star rating last June and achieved a five-star rating again in February.

"The team have worked with passion to pull back and have worked well to reach such high standards.

"Staff have been trained to ensure they are fulfilling their duties correctly.

"Inspectors are really happy with the improvements we have made."

Inderjit said news of the court case had hit trade, which she said had halved.

She said: "We are a small independent business and this is people's livelihoods."

She thanked loyal customers who have stood by the business saying: "They came to us and said they were shocked - this is something which happened last year.

"They have stood by us and said they will continue supporting us."

Inderjit said the restaurant supports Dudley Stroke Association and a local football team, which hold regular group meetings on-site, providing them with light refreshments.

Stourbridge News: A group from Dudley Stroke Association at Koyla KitchenA group from Dudley Stroke Association at Koyla Kitchen (Image: Handout)

They also allow parents from local schools to park on the car park and are planning a charity day later this month.

Koyla Kitchen was given a five-star hygiene rating after an inspection on 09 February 2023.

Its hygienic food handling, cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building and its management of food safety were all rated good.