READING'S only zero-hygiene rated cafe has closed in recent weeks, following 'business issues'.

Monty's Good Mood Food, in Addington Road, was inspected by Reading Borough Council in March, and it was revealed this week that the cafe was rated as a zero for its hygiene practices.

The inspection which found that in all areas, improvements are necessary.

On a scale of 0 to 5, a zero rating represents a need for 'urgent improvement'.

Areas inspected included hygienic food handling, which covers preparation of food as well as cooking, reheating, cooling and storage.

In this area, inspectors found 'major improvement' to be necessary.

In the criteria for cleanliness and condition of facilities and the building, including appropriate layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control, 'urgent improvement' was found to be required.

Lastly, in the observation of management of food safety, which inspects systems or checks that are in place to ensure served food is safe to eat; evidence that staff know about food safety and whether the food safety officer has confidence that standards will be maintained in the future, 'urgent improvement' was also found to be needed.

Recent Trip Advisor reviews online seem to mirror the findings of the inspection, with one comment suggesting that the food appeared as if it had 'been there for weeks.'

Another reads: "I took one bite and had to stop eating.

"It's not good at all.

"Healthy shake was over priced and my partner had the breakfast roll which she also didn't eat."

Despite this, the cafe has a 4.5/5 rating on Trip Advisor, and some comments note a 'wonderful service' and 'tasty food'.

A spokesman from Monty's said: "Due to various business issues, we decided to close the business and are no longer operating."