FOOD lovers in Wanstead and Woodford may have to think twice before heading out for a bite at their favourite restaurants, after some of the area’s most popular eateries were criticised for their poor hygiene standards.

The Cinnamon curry house in Wanstead High Street and the Silver Lake Chinese takeaway in Woodford Green High Road were just two of the much-loved venues whose food safety standards were rated as poor during their latest inspections.

The results, published as part of the Food Standard Agency’s Scores on the Doors scheme, will come as a shock to many loyal customers who have eaten at the restaurants for years.

The Cinnamon and Silver Lake both received just one out of a possible five stars for their hygiene, and told that “much more effort is required” for them to reach acceptable standards.

The Jamuna curry house and Kebabish Original, both in South Woodford High Road, received equally low scores - with officers marking them under different categories, including food hygiene and safety procedures and confidence in the management.

One of the area's great success stories however is Hadley House in Wanstead High Street, which has improved its rating from one to three stars since it was taken over by two talented London chefs last year.

Terrance Hau, who previously worked at the Hilton and with celebrity chef Gary Rhodes, works seven days a-week to ensure his customers get the best.

He said: "When we first took over the place needed a big clear up and we took everything out of the kitchen, painted all the walls and the ceiling and threw away a lot of old equipment.

"The only time we've had off was just after Christmas so we're aging very rapidly, but it works for the customers because everything that goes out from the kitchen is from us.

"We have been lucky because we had all our hygiene training at the Hilton so we instinctively know what needs to be done to ensure high standards."