The Sir Michael Balcon in Ealing has been awarded a platinum rating at the Loo of the Year Awards 2020.

The pub, which is owned by industry giants Wetherspoons and located in The Mall, was one of three pubs in the borough of Ealing that won the award.

Inspectors make surprise visits to establishments, often unannounced, in order to judge each venue's toilet facilities.

According to the awards, bathrooms are the 'most frequent place visited by most users of the building' and a great way to make the perfect first impression on customers.

The aim of the awards is to highlight and improve standards of 'away from home' washrooms throughout the country.

In order to be considered for the award, an entry needs to consist of one set of male, female, accessible, and baby changing facilities, in relatively close proximity but not necessarily on the same floor or in the same immediate area.

The toilets are judged against numerous criteria, including décor, maintenance, cleanliness, accessibility, hand washing and drying equipment and overall management.

Toilets are then graded from silver, to gold, platinum or diamond.

There are also circumstances where an establishment doesn't receive an award, due its loo's disappointing appearance.

The Loo of the Year Awards 2020 Managing Director, Mike Boone, said: "The toilets at the Sir Michael Balcon have been designed and fitted out to a very high standard and are both clean and well maintained.

"The pub richly deserves its platinum award," he added.

The pub's manager, Sylwek Jaroszewicz spoke to Nub News and said: "We're delighted with the award.

"It is great to know that independent inspectors rated the pub's toilets so highly.

"Clean, well-managed toilets are an important aspect of a well-run and successful pub."