The co-owner of an acclaimed restaurant in Locksbottom has thanked loyal customers after a "tough time" for the business which was given a scathing food hygiene report.

Chapter One, in Farnborough Common, was dealt a blow in September when an unimpressed inspector gave it a one-star rating.

The damning score was partly because of the chefs making "less than thoroughly cooked burgers" and no hot water being available during the nightmare inspection.

Marcel Faulstich, the co-owner, was relieved this month when Chapter One was handed back its five-star status.

"At the time of the inspection you advised me that you were serving burgers less than thoroughly cooked," the critical report earlier in the year read.

The inspection, obtained under a Freedom of Information request, said serving such burgers was "high risk".

An absence of hot water was a "real concern" after the kitchen porter was spotted washing up dishes under a cold tap.

Mr Faulstich told News Shopper: "The hot water was back in 10 minutes. We had a power failure overnight and the boiler changed to factory settings.

"The kitchen porter had left the hot water running since 8am and the tank was depleted."

He described it as a "stressful time" and said a new water tank has since been installed.

Addressing the burger issue, the owner said: "Guests asked to be served burgers less than well done and we basically did so.

"We have now put on our menu that we are only serving burgers well done."

Mr Faulstich said his customers were "very supportive and sympathetic" once he explained the low score, and he said he was surprised and thankful for how loyal they were.

He added: "We didn’t see any downturn in business. We have gone from strength to strength."

Other concerns included the microwave being in a "poor state of repair", food being wrongly labelled and floor tiles being cracked.

However, a new inspection on December 3 put any doubts to bed.

The inspector said he was "happy with the hygiene and cleanliness" of the kitchen before issuing a five-star rating.

Chapter One, which held a Michelin star for several years, will close for the first two weeks in January for a major refurbishment.

Half a million pounds has been invested and Mr Faulstich said the aim is to be one of the best restaurants in Kent and the south east.

"We are having a complete overhaul and we are very excited," he said.

"Our customers have been very comforting in their support of us."