A fish and chip shop has been handed a hygiene rating of one after inspectors found "multiple rat droppings and a very dirty fridge".

Best Fish and Chips in Broadstairs High Street, which has a four-star rating on Google, received the damning report after an inspection in November uncovered a raft of issues.

The inspector noted: "Multiple rat droppings were found in the rear food preparation and storage room," adding: "The overall cleanliness of this room was poor."

Furthermore, within the same room, a fridge full of food was found to be not up to standard.

The report said: "The rear storage room upright fridge was very dirty with worn and rusting shelving.

"Food was being stored in this fridge."

They also found "a large hole in the storage area ceiling which may give access to pests".

"The drainage gully was uncovered, possibly allowing access to pests and was producing bad smells," the report continued.

To address these hygiene issues, the inspector told the establishment to "employ suitable means to eradicate any current infestation and pest proof all areas to prevent further access" and thoroughly clean the storage room.

Owners were also instructed to replace the rusting shelving in the fridge and give it a good clean, as well as fix the hole in the ceiling.

Aside from the pests and dirt, the venue also fared badly on control procedures, as the inspector could find no documentation on site, and no allergen signage.

The business is closed for the winter season, and has not been re-inspected.

The chippy is rated positively on Google reviews, with an overall score of 4.2.

"Fridge was very dirty with worn and rusting shelving..."

A review five months ago stated: "One of the best chip shops I know of, everything is cooked to perfection and has lovely flavours."

Another said: "In my opinion, this is the best fish and chips in Broadstairs.

"The chips are as they should be and the fish is super fresh."

However, other customers criticised the fish as "tasteless" and bemoaned the 40p charge for a sachet of ketchup.

Another unhappy diner who visited eight months ago claimed: "The food was over-priced and dripping in grease.

"There was no cutlery for dine-in customers and no condiments on the tables.

"It was served in a box swimming in grease - I won't be going back."

A Thanet District Council spokesman told KentOnline: "Best Fish and Chips in Broadstairs is currently closed, due to a planned seasonal closure.

"A revisit will not be possible until it reopens."

Best Fish and Chips has been approached for comment.