The Oak Tree, near Darlington, gets 5* hygiene rating

Earlier this year, The Oak Tree, in Middleton St George, was told that “urgent improvement” was necessary after a zero-star food hygiene inspection on July 24. 

The Oak Tree had only been taken over by a new owner and manager in June, who said that inspectors visited just six weeks into her new role. 

Since the inspection, some “much needed” renovations took place - and the venue has now announced that it has been re-rated five stars, meaning food hygiene is “very good”. 

The Oak Tree, in Middleton-St-George

The Oak Tree has now been rebranded as The Oak Tree - Meze and Grill, serving up Turkish inspired dishes from the popular village venue. 

Dishes are described as being “crafted with tradition, fresh ingredients and a deep love for culinary heritage”, with flavours that have “passed through generations”. 

Moussaka, kebabs, seafood, and meze platters are all on the menu at the new-look Oak Tree, as well as Sunday Grill sharing boards in place of Sunday lunches. 

The restaurant - which re-opened on Friday, September 27 - is also welcoming drinkers in an “intimate pub-style area”, with a covered outdoor seating area coming soon. 

As previously reported, The Oak Tree was handed a zero-star rating, where both the cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building and the management of food safety at the venue were ranked as “major improvement necessary”. 

The food hygiene report laid bare how the restaurant had been found with out-of-date chicken, flying insects, and dirty scourers - but bosses said they were “very confident” for the venue’s future as they closed the site for a deep clean and revamp. 

A full post regarding the reinspection on Facebook said: “We have some exciting news to share today! 

“Earlier today we had our inspection since reopening and doing the much needed renovations since taking over from the previous owner.

“We are so happy to announce a five star rating from the council's food and hygiene inspection!

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“We are so thankful to our guests that stuck by us during the difficult transition since taking over, you are forever appreciated!

“To everyone else, we hope that this five star rating will welcome you back to enjoy some freshly made, delicious traditional Turkish food.

“As always, our lines are open for bookings. We are so grateful, happy, excited, thankful. See you soon! Ersim & The Oak Tree family.”