A STOURBRIDGE eatery has been handed a new three-out-of-five food hygiene rating.

STUFFED by Cartwright, in Victoria Passage, was given the score after assessment on July 18, the Food Standards Agency's website shows.

It means that of Dudley's 369 restaurants, cafes and canteens with ratings, 223 (60 per cent) have ratings of five and just one has a zero rating.

Although rating of three means hygiene standards are generally satisfactory, Harrison Cartwright, who runs the cafe, said he was disappointed with the rating and has lodged an appeal.

He said: "We have always and will continue to operate a clean and safe working environment for staff and customers.

“As a team we are all disappointed with the outcome of this report and feel the rating given is unmerited - for this reason we have logged an appeal.”

STUFFED by Cartwright has proved a popular addition to the town since it opened in 2021.

The family-run breakfast and lunch venue, which has a five-star customer rating on Google, has also taken to hosting a men’s mental wellbeing coffee morning to encourage men to speak out about problems they are facing and to connect with others.

Its Bros Before Woes sessions, offering free refreshments, take place every month.

Harrison said: "As a business we wanted to give something back to our local community and show our appreciation for all the support of our customers."

The next Bros Before Woes session will be held this Sunday August 27, from 10am to midday.