A Lebanese restaurant has been handed a food hygiene rating of one after inspectors found a dead mouse and rodent droppings in the kitchen.

Pasha in Northdown Road in Cliftonville - which also hosts a shisha lounge - was inspected last November, but has not been re-rated since its poor score.

The food safety officer reported: "During the inspection, mice were noted in the kitchen.

"Appropriate treatment methods must be used to eliminate these pests.

"I recommend you set up a contract with a reputable pest control company."

They also noted: "The standard of cleaning to the structure of the kitchen including the work surfaces was generally poor.

"A thorough deep clean and disinfection is required."

Not only were rodents discovered, but hand-washing facilities were found to be broken and unusable.

Furthermore, water had damaged the tiling in the kitchen.

The report revealed Pasha had voluntarily closed after the damning rating.

The venue has since been reinspected, with the officer noting the restaurant "had engaged the services of Pestraid to address the pest issue".

They added: "Baits and monitoring points have been laid throughout the premises and the required pest-proofing has been carried out.

"At the time of my visit no signs of mice activity was noted.

They told the business: "You must continue with the treatments until the pest activity has been totally eradicated."

A Thanet District Council spokesman told KentOnline: "Pasha, in Margate, brought in a contractor to manage the issues on site.

"It has since been revisited by a Food Safety Officer who will work with the business to improve standards.

"The officer found no sign of pests and was satisfied that the premises were compliant.

"Information was provided on how to apply for a re-rating inspection.

"The business has not yet submitted an application."

Pasha has been approached for comment.