THE OWNER of a controversial Wanstead takeaway is celebrating after his business was rated cleaner than two of the area's poshest' restaurants.

Chicken Spot scored higher for food hygiene standards than either Hadley House or the Purbani Tandoori, when official inspection results were published online for the first time.

The three businesses, all situated in the High Street, had their ratings revealed as part of the Food Standard Agency (FSA) Scores on the Doors programme.

Chicken Spot, which has been criticised in the past by police for attracting anti-social behaviour to the area and staying open past its licenced hours, was found to be broadly compliant' with hygiene regulations, while the two restaurants' standards were rated as poor'.

Despite this, the Chicken Spot has been instructed to make more effort' to improve its food hygiene levels, with Hadley House and Purbani Tandoori both warned to make much more effort' to reach acceptable standards.

Manager Mohammed Razzaq said the result is evidence of the importance his business places on abiding by health and safety regulations.

He said: "I'm obviously very pleased. We take great care to comply with health and safety legislation and ensure we provide the highest quality food for our customers."

Polly Costin, owner of Hadley House, said she was confused by the score her business received, and insists a high standard of hygiene is maintained by her staff at all times.

She said: "I'm confused because the inspector never mentioned any serious problems when she visited us, other than saying we need to sweep under the cooker more thoroughly."

A council spokeswoman said: "Inspections are unannounced and give a snapshot of conditions prevailing at the time.

"There is no reason why a so-called smart restaurant' should outscore a modest takeaway.

"It is to be hoped that the Scores on the Doors scheme will encourage businesses to improve their standards."

Purbani Tandoori restaurant declined to comment.