A WEST Somerset public house has won acclaim for the quality and standards of its toilets in the Loo of the Year Awards 2023.

The Duke of Wellington, in Wellington Square, Minehead, which is a Wetherspoon pub, has been awarded a platinum rating by inspectors.

The awards are aimed at highlighting and improving standards of 'away from home' toilet provision across the UK.

The gents toilets in Minehead Wetherspoon's Duke of Wellington public house.
The gents toilets in Minehead Wetherspoon's Duke of Wellington public house. (Gillian Evans)

Loo of the Year Awards inspectors made unannounced visits to thousands of toilets at sites across the UK in order to judge them.

Each toilet was graded silver, gold, platinum, platinum plus, or diamond, with unacceptable toilets not graded at all.

They were judged against numerous criteria, including décor and maintenance, cleanliness, accessibility, hand washing and drying equipment, and overall management.

Award-winning toilets in the Duke of Wellington, a Wetherspoon's public house, in Minehead.
Award-winning toilets in the Duke of Wellington, a Wetherspoon's public house, in Minehead. (Gillian Evans)

Duke of Wellington manager Nathanial Leader said: “We are delighted with the award.

“Staff at the pub ensure the toilets are in excellent condition at all times and it is great that this has been recognised by the inspectors.”

Loo of the Year Awards 2023 managing director Becky Wall said: “The toilets at The Duke of Wellington have been designed and fitted out to a very high standard and are both clean and well maintained.

“The pub deserves its platinum award.”