A Honiton pub has won acclaim for the quality and standards of its toilets – in the Loo of the Year Awards 2023.

The Star Inn in New Street has been awarded a platinum plus rating by inspectors.

The awards are aimed at highlighting and improving standards of 'away from home' toilet provision across the UK.

Loo of the Year Awards inspectors made unannounced visits to thousands of toilets at sites across the UK, in order to judge them.

All of the toilets are graded silver, gold, platinum, platinum plus or diamond with unacceptable toilets not graded at all.

The Awards are owned and run independently and since their introduction in 1987 the annual Loo of the Year Awards competition aims to recognise and reward the very best washrooms throughout the UK and Ireland. It is considered the ‘washroom standard’ and a Loo of the Year Award is an established benchmark of washroom provision and compliance to national standards.

Anyone can nominate - staff, customers, visitors, managers, owners or contractors. Entries need to be authorised by owners or managers to guarantee payment of relevant entry fees which cover the inspection visits.

Each entry is fully assessed against established judging criteria, covering both male and female facilities, as well as any baby changing, accessible, Changing Places, Space to Change or Hygiene Room facilities. All entries will receive a grading; Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus or Diamond following an unannounced visit by a fully trained and authorised Loo of the Year Awards Inspector.

The toilets are judged against numerous criteria, including décor and maintenance, cleanliness, accessibility, hand washing and drying equipment and overall management.

The Star Inn, a Wetherspoon pub, is managed by Sharon Queen, she said: "We are delighted with the award. Staff at the pub ensure the toilets are in excellent condition at all times and it is great that this has been recognised by the inspectors."

The Loo of the Year Awards 2023 managing director, Becky Wall, said: "The toilets at The Star Inn have been designed and fitted out to a very high standard and are both clean and well maintained.

"The pub deserves its platinum plus award."