NEW staff at a landmark Cleethorpes venue have turned an "empty shell" into a five-star restaurant – in just two months.

A few months ago, The Pier – now known as The Pavilion – did not even have a working kitchen.

Now, it has been awarded a five-star Scores On The Doors hygiene rating, a locally-run scheme promoting cleanliness in restaurants.

Manager Paul Edwards said: "There was just a shell of a room with a panini machine when we first got here.

"To turn it into a fully functional kitchen with such high hygiene ratings takes some doing.

"We couldn't be more pleased – the certificate is already in a frame.

"This was our first inspection, but we have started the way we mean to go on."

After closing in September following incidents of serious crime and disorder, new owner Alistair Clugston promised to return The Pier to everyone to enjoy – not just night-time revellers – when he bought the lease in November.

The venue reopened its doors on December 1 with the newly refurbished Tides Bar and Restaurant fronting it.

The main club has also reopened and been renamed The Pavilion to help disassociate the venue from problems under the former managers.

The restaurant, which opens during the day, has been instrumental in changing the focus of the venue.

Mr Edwards said: "We are trying to make this an all-year-round venue which is popular in the day as well as in the evening – and you can't do that just selling beer.

"Everyone has given us great feedback on the food which is very encouraging.

"The secret to our food is using fresh, local produce and keeping it fairly simple.

"There are a few fancy things on the menu, but we know that not everyone wants to eat things that they can't pronounce on a day-to-day basis."

The Scores On The Doors rating can provide "peace of mind" for customers coming into Tides.

He said: "People can walk inside and realise just how clean and tidy this place is, but you don't get a tour of the kitchen when you are a customer.

"This can give people confidence that everything is in order at the back of house as well as in the front.

Head chef Jamie Osborne, 21, said: "I was over the moon when I heard we got five stars.

"We use fresh local produce and it is just a case of being organised and keeping on top of things.

"I have been here since the beginning and this rating shows that all my hard work has been worthwhile."

To book at Tides Bar and Restaurant, call 01472 694070.