A NEW Italian restaurant in Barnard Castle has been awarded a top hygiene rating following its first inspection.
Il Palazzo opened in Galgate in August after a six figure transformation of the former Beaconsfield hotel, and has since welcomed thousands of diners.
Inspectors from Durham County Council's health and safety department have now judged the restaurant to be worthy of a five star rating for hygiene.
Owner Kamal Alley said: "With the level of investment we've put into Il Palazzo and the determination of our staff to ensure the highest standards every day, I would have been disappointed not to have achieved five stars from the outset.
"Nevertheless, this is an important rating and sends a message of quality to all our customers, both current and in the future. It's good news too for the restaurant scene and tourism in Barnard Castle."
Mr Alley, who also owns La Piazza restaurant in Richmond, added that he was delighted with the reception Il Palazzo had received from the people of Teesdale and beyond.
It is also picking up regular five star ratings from customers on a well-known restaurant review website.
"We are so grateful for the support and wonderful compliments we've received both for our food and the restaurant interior. Customers are still advised to reserve weekend evening tables, but they don't have to book during the week and can come as early as 5pm, which is appealing on dark nights," he said.
Il Palazzo has created 20 jobs and can seat 120 diners in the family and disabled-friendly restaurant, which is open seven days with a special lunch menu from 12pm-3pm, and from 5pm-10pm.
Reservations are being taken now for Christmas and New Year's Eve, tel: 01833 638870.
