AN INDEPENDENT restaurant that has been serving up rustic French food in Oxford for more than 20 years is celebrating another top hygiene rating.

Pierre Victoire owners Claire Harvey and Gordon Jamieson opened the Little Clarendon Street bistro in 1996 and since then it has become a firm favourite with students and locals.

When officers from Oxford City Council's food hygiene team visited earlier this month they gave the eatery a five-star score - the highest possible rating.

Ms Harvey said: "We are delighted to be awarded five stars. It is something we have had for a long time, before the current system even came into place.

"I still remember putting up the first tiles in the restaurant so it is very personal and having the five-star is a great feeling for myself and the staff."

She added she believed inspectors had been particularly impressed with the work the restaurant does to ensure it caters to those with allergies, saying: "It's a small kitchen but the chefs do really well."

Popular dishes include traditional French classics like escargot, chicken liver parfait and creme brulee, with fixed menus a big draw for diners.

Explaining the ethos of the restaurant, the Pierre Victoire website states: "We wanted to create somewhere for people to enjoy traditional French food, cooked properly by skilled chefs, in an informal environment at prices everyone can afford - the way they do in France.

"Today, we’re still doing just that - and we’re busier than ever.

It adds: “Our menus follow the seasons and the ingredients we use are fresh and sourced as locally as possible.

"When we change the menus everyone gets involved and has their say - not just the chefs and the restaurant team, but our customers, too.”

Ms Harvey thanked the restaurant's loyal customers who she said are a diverse group made up of a mix of students, those who work in the city and retired people.

She said: "We have lots of customers who have been coming for 20 years and we are so grateful for them.

"We are very proud of being one of the few remaining independent restaurants in Oxford."

She added the eatery was already mostly booked for the Christmas period, with many regular office party groups.

Fore information about the restaurant and to view its festive menu visit pierrevictoire.co.uk.