A new bakery in Swindon run by a DJ has achieved the top score for food hygiene just weeks after opening.

Howie's Bakehouse and Bar on Old Town’s Wood Street was launched by Howard Taylor, who has presented on Global Radio, GWR and Heart FM.

Previously run as a Moroccan restaurant from 2015 until the pandemic, he chose to reopen Howie’s as a bakery during the summer.

Swindon Advertiser: Howard has had a long career on the radio.Howard has had a long career on the radio.

The new premises were visited on August 10 and inspectors gave the business a five-out-of-five rating.

“I have never wanted to settle for less than a five because it is the minimum requirement to me," said Howard.

“It is relieving for us to get it because it validates what we are doing and seeing those five stars on the door is important to customers.”

Swindon Advertiser: Howie's Bakehouse and Bar can be found on Wood Street.Howie's Bakehouse and Bar can be found on Wood Street. (Image: Dave Cox)

The business which is a bakery by day and a bar by night is open six days a week, closing on Sundays.

“It has gone really well up to now and we are getting increasingly busier by the day,” said Howard.

“Moroccan food was more of an evening thing so we now want to offer locals food throughout the day.

“Our pasties are made in Cornwall and we bake them off every morning while we also have pastries as well as pizzas that are stone baked by us.”