'I tried zero-rated Mr Cod and it was worst takeaway I've had'

So with this in mind, you can imagine my fear when a restaurant that was recently given a zero rating out of five for food hygiene was suggested.

Mr Cod of Cricklade Road was awarded the rock bottom score following an inspection by the Food Standards Agency on Friday, June 23.

The report stated that major improvement was necessary in regard to the handling of food including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage.

Ed visited the takeaway on Tuesday evening to sample the goods. (Image: Newsquest)

Despite knowing about the lowly rating, I tried to be in an optimistic mood when going to the takeaway for my dinner on Tuesday evening.

I am no stranger to fish and chips having grown up in the seaside town of Scarborough which is famed for the dish.

Arriving at the establishment, I opted to go for the haddock and chips which cost a total of £9.49.

I was firstly disappointed to see that the food was served in a yellow polystyrene box rather than traditional paper.

The food was oddly shaped. (Image: Newsquest)

Upon opening the package, any remaining optimism was completely crushed as I discovered the trowel-shaped, deep-fried item that lay in wait.

For those wondering, the long and protruding section was indeed fish despite my mind racing about what else could have been inside the batter.

I tried the chips first and found them to be greasy and overdone but considering what I was to try next, they were passable.

Inside the takeaway on Cricklade Road. (Image: Newsquest)

I thought the fish, however, was extremely dry and left a bad taste in the mouth and an even worse feeling in the stomach.

After suffering from belly aches all night, I earned myself a luxurious four hours of quality sleep, content that the issues were behind me.

Yet as I woke up and made my way into the office the next morning, I felt even worse for wear.

This was the worst takeaway I have ever had, especially after being born and brought up in a fish and chips town.

Ed did not enjoy his Mr Cod experience. (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking to the Adver just after the recent food hygiene rating, Juanita Fernandes, manager of Mr Cod, explained the reason for the restaurant’s damning report at the time.

“The boiler was broken and there was no hot water but now we have fixed it and applied for another inspection,” she said.

“We are expecting them to come back and we hope to get a previous rating of four back.

“I assure them that the hygiene will be of top class quality despite the rating.”