A “charming and cosy” Durham restaurant has been handed a two-star hygiene rating. 

Restaurant 17, on Elvet Bridge, was visited by food safety officers on September 18 and told that improvement is necessary. 

Inspectors rated the cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building - which covers layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control - as “improvement necessary”. 

Meanwhile, hygienic food handling (food preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling, and storage) and food safety management were ranked as “generally satisfactory.”

The world-inspired restaurant serves modern cuisine with local produce and fresh ingredients, with each dish created and made to order. 

The venue - described as a “unique eatery hidden in plane sight” - is regularly praised online for its “delicious” food and “friendly and civilised” atmosphere. 

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One happy customer said: “Fantastic restaurant. Equal parts cosy and romantic, with great decor. The service was excellent - personal and attentive. 

“The food was delicious with generous portions. A compact wine list was available by the glass or the bottle. Bonus points for a cool soundtrack curated by the owners. We loved this place.”

The owner of Restaurant 17, said: "We have already made the improvements recommended by Trracy from  Durham EHO, and are reapplying for our re-inspection, new equipment has been installed and everything is now ready for this inspection."  -

The Northern Echo has requested the full hygiene inspection report from Durham County Council.