AN AUTHENTIC Jamaican takeaway described as ‘simply the best’ by loyal customers has celebrated another top food hygiene rating.

Jamaican Spice, in Cowley has now maintained a five-star score for more than five years, with confidence in management judged to be ‘high’ when inspectors from Oxford City Council’s health team visited last month.

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Owner Wayne Watt, who started the business in his home before moving into the Hollow Way unit in February, 2008, said maintaining high standards over the years was 'very hard' but ultimately worth it.

Oxford Mail:

Wayne Watt

The 50-year-old explained: "It is tough to keep it clean by myself but I don't want to lose the rating because that does matter to customers and I want them to be happy.

"I cook the food fresh everyday which I think helps."

Mr Watt, who moved to the UK from Jamaica 20 years ago, thanked loyal customers who have been frequenting the takeaway for years and said without their support he would not have been able to carry on.

The takeaway’s website boasts Caribbean food is famous for its 'tasty, spicy flavours that you will love and end up wanting more'.

It adds: “All our meals are served with generous servings of either plain rice or rice and peas.

Oxford Mail:

Brown chicken stew, rice, peas and salad

"Or you can have yam (potato-like root vegetable) with green banana (plantain) and lightly fried dumpling.

“Your chef, Wayne is from Jamaica and has been a chef making real Jamaican food for people in Oxford for many years, so you can be sure of its authenticity!”

It is now more than five years since Mr Watt turned around a zero rating to five stars, which he said he achieved by closing the building to do a thorough clean.

The Cowley business has rave reviews online, where it is rated 4.5 out of five stars.

A recent customer writing on Jamaican Spice's Facebook page said: “The best I’ve tasted and had. Make a point of coming in when I’m in Oxford.

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"I had curried chicken rice and peas salad and lamb patties.”

It was described by another as 'simply the best take away in Oxford'.

There is a set everyday menu of jerk and fried chicken, with a revolving selection of dishes throughout the week.

One customer said this added to the enjoyment, writing: "Absolutely delicious and very filling. I've been coming here regularly for several years now. Different dishes Tuesday to Sunday means waiting for your favourite and it tasting even better. Jerk Pork on Friday is my top choice but they are all good."