A sandwich shop in Stourport which has become "part of the community" has been awarded another five-star hygiene rating. 

La Baguette, which is located on Lombard Street, was taken over by Ben Hull almost four years ago and has continued to go from strength to strength. 

The business was given the top hygiene rating following an inspection on Wednesday (April 3) with the staff being "incredibly proud" of the news. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: The shop was taken over in November 2020 The shop was taken over in November 2020 (Image: La Baguette)

Owner Ben Hull, aged 47, from Bewdley, said: "Keeping the shop clean and hygienic is of really high importance to us. Inspections can be really nerve-wracking but we're incredibly proud of our rating. 

"It's down to all the hard work of the staff. When you run a business, it's hard to keep an eye on everything all the time, so I really couldn't do this without them." 

Mr Hull has been in the catering business since he was a teenager so he jumped at the opportunity to take over the shop in November 2020. 

Despite getting the keys just before the second lockdown was announced and having no help during Covid due to being classed as a takeaway, the father-of-two was determined to make it work. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: Owner Ben Hull said the hot roast pork is a popular choice Owner Ben Hull said the hot roast pork is a popular choice (Image: La Baguette)

He said: "I couldn't believe it when the lockdown was announced. We'd only just got the keys and I didn't know what to do. My wife just told me to be myself and give it a go so we opened the doors up and it has ended up being the best thing I've ever done. 

"I am a real people person and although we are a business, our customers come to us as we're a friendly face and a big part of the community. We even have 'famous for customer service' on the back of our t-shirts and a smiley face at the end of La Baguette. 

"We might not be a sit-down café but we also have a lot of regular customers, especially the older generation, who come for a chat." 

La Baguette, which services hot roast pork, cold filling baguettes and jacket potatoes for customers to takeaway, also prides itself in giving opportunities to young people in the community. 

Mr Hull said the business also sponsors his son's football team and supports raffles. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: The business prides itself on customer service The business prides itself on customer service (Image: La Baguette)

Mr Hull added: ""I love running the business and it's given me the opportunity to get a work-life balance and spend more time with my family. I have even been able to do the school run for the past four years which has been a massive help. 

"Our customers and staff are fantastic and I just want to say thank you for all their support."

"I am also a big believer in Stourport and it really is a hub of food. There are some fantastic businesses in the area that are going from strength to strength. We all really support one another and it is great to see." 

To find out more visit the La Baguette Facebook page at www.facebook.com/labaguettestourport