A BRUNCH and cocktail bar has been ordered to carry out major improvements after scoring zero in a food hygiene inspection.

XOXO in Prince Albert Street, Brighton, was given the rating - meaning urgent improvements are necessary - following a Brighton and Hove City Council inspection on February 16.

A report published online stated that improvements were necessary in the cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building, including having appropriate layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control.

It said urgent improvements were needed to the management of food safety, relating to the system or checks in place to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat and evidence that staff know about food safety.

The inspector found that the hygienic food handing at the bar was “generally satisfactory”.

XOXO, a brunch, cocktail and wine bar, is the only venue in the city to have a rating of zero.

Businesses which are given low ratings of zero or one must make urgent or major improvements to hygiene standards.

The local authority food safety officer has several enforcement options available, as well as giving advice and guidance to make sure these improvements are made.

The food safety officer will also tell the business how quickly these improvements must be made, and this will depend on the type of issue that needs to be addressed.

XOXO opened in autumn 2020 in the building that was previously occupied by Cafe Rouge. 

Its menu includes a variety of breakfast and brunch items, as well as salads, pancakes and sandwiches.

The restaurant also has branches in Southampton and Bournemouth.

XOXO was recently rated the best spot in Brighton for bottomless brunch by The Bottomless Brunch Student Report.

The report scored venues in the city out of 110, based on factors including value for money, the food menu size, vegan options and the proximity to a university campus.

XOXO scored a total of 62.96 out of 110, with high scores for their availability, proximity to a university campus, food menu size and vegan options.

XOXO has been approached for a comment.