AN ASIAN restaurant and bar has hit out at an 'unfair' hygiene rating after inspectors found rat droppings and "filthy" equipment on the premises.

The One Restaurant and Bar was given a one-star rating by Oxford City Council environmental health officers after an inspection in May.

SCORES ON THE DOORS - The latest list of restaurants and food outlets rated for hygiene 

The officers found rat droppings in a store near crockery and take away food containers.

Manager David Chu said improvements had been made and it was 'unfair' for the restaurant to be stuck with the one-star rating after being told he would have to wait three months for a re-score.

Inspectors also had concerns over liquid egg being stored at 15.9C when it must be stored between 0 and 8C.

Pliers used to lift “sizzling plates” were also described as being in a filthy condition and debris was found on in the inside of the ice machine.

Their report read: "The floor surfaces beneath cooking equipment was filthy with accumulations of grease, debris and liquid evident.

"The shelving in the bar area was not in clean condition with an accumulation of dust and a sticky liquid adhered to some bar mats."

Management was also asked to bring in a pest control company to make sure the venue was pest free.

The inspectors said: "Rat droppings were found in an external store where crockery, equipment and take away food containers were stored.

"Suitable arrangements for pest control were not in place."

It added: “As discussed and agreed, all crockery and equipment stored in this area must be thoroughly washed and disinfected before use.

“The advice of a pest control company must be sought and you must demonstrate that the store is pest free.”

The restaurant was issued with a hygiene improvement notice warning it must comply within a month.

The notice related to inspectors discovering inadequate supply of hot and cold water to the sinks.

Manager David Chu said he complied with the notice and made all the necessary improvements.

Mr Chu said: "It was unfortunate at that time but we have made the improvements now.

"We have done everything they asked and the inspectors came back and were happy that we have complied.

"But we can't have a re-score for another three months, which is unfair - we will be stuck with this rating for six months."