An upmarket restaurant has given a one-star food hygiene rating by inspectors – and told it needs too improve.

Vine, on Roman Road in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, where main meals can cost more than £20, will need to make major improvements to increase its score. The worst performing area was the restaurant’s management of food safety, which checks whether there are systems or checks in place to ensure that food is safe to eat.

Changes are also necessary regarding hygienic food handling, which includes the preparation, cooking, and storage of food, and the cleanliness and condition of the venue.

The Linthorpe eatery, which is in a former abattoir, opened its doors to customers in 2017 and its website claims it is “Middlesbrough’s most unique restaurant.” It considers its food to be a “globally inspired menu of popular classics presented with a tantalising twist.”

The inspection was carried out on July 14 and inspectors will have made recommendations to the owners about ways they can boost their score. It will be able to re-organise another visit once it has made the changes.

The restaurant was closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 26 and 27 for essential maintenance though it is not known if that was linked to the poor hygiene rating. There are currently seven businesses with zero-star ratings in Middlesbrough and 15 with one-star ratings.

Vine has been contacted for comment