A family-run Polish restaurant that only opened this year has been awarded the highest possible food hygiene rating.

Familia Restaurant is located at the Polish Community Centre on Walton Road and first opened in March 2023.

The eatery earned the maximum score of five following an inspection by the Food Standards Agency on Thursday, August 10.

Karolina Kos, from Liden, works alongside her sister Justyna at the restaurant which is owned by her mother Barbara.

Swindon Advertiser: The restaurant was founded in March of this year.The restaurant was founded in March of this year. (Image: Dave Cox)

Familia Restaurant’s hygienic handling of food including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage was deemed to be very good during the inspection.

Karolina said: “We are extremely happy to receive the score as we have put a lot of hard work in since starting the restaurant.

“Running the restaurant has been strict to ensure the food safety and I am particularly pleased since we have never run one before this.”

“Business has been great since first opening and the restaurant is gaining more interest each week so we are very excited and grateful for the opportunity.”

Her family moved to Swindon in 2007 and have been loving the latest chapter of living in the town with the addition of the restaurant.

Swindon Advertiser: There is a varied menu at the restaurant which combines both traditional and modern dishes.There is a varied menu at the restaurant which combines both traditional and modern dishes. (Image: Familia Restaurant)

“We love Swindon as it is a brilliant town to work in and it has given us opportunities,” said Karolina.

“This is our first restaurant but we have always wanted to open something as a family because we are very close.

“We never knew what the business would be but with mum being a talented cook it is no surprise that we finally settled on food.

“When we saw that the restaurant was up for grabs we leapt at the opportunity as we are really settled in Swindon.”

Swindon Advertiser: The eatery is located at the Polish Community Centre on Walton Road.The eatery is located at the Polish Community Centre on Walton Road. (Image: Dave Cox)

The 31-year-old helps with the day-to-day management at Familia as well as waiting on tables while her mother cooks as the head chef.

“Our dad renovated the interior of the restaurant and it has changed completely as we know have lots of Southern Polish décor,” said Karolina.

“We serve a traditional and modern take on Polish cuisine as we have schnitzel and dumplings but we also have introduced freshly baked baguettes which are more of street food back in Poland.

“The menu we offer as well as the experience with even just the music in the background, it is a very unique dining experience.”