Chester-le-Street pub's toilets awarded second-highest grade in the Loo of the Year Awards

Toilets are judged against numerous criteria, including décor and maintenance, accessibility, hand washing and overall management
-Credit: (Image: David Webb)


A Wetherspoon's pub in Chester-le-Street has won acclaim for the quality and standards of its toilets, earning the second-highest rating in the Loo of the Year Awards 2024.

The Wicket Gate, in Front Street, has been awarded a platinum plus grading by inspectors.

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

READ MORE: County Durham primary school shares old pictures ahead of 60th anniversary celebrations

READ MORE: DJ who stopped knife attack in Sunderland bar honoured at annual Police Public Bravery Awards

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

All of the toilets are then graded either bronze, silver, gold, platinum, platinum plus or diamond, with unacceptable toilets not graded at all.

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

The Wicket Gate is managed by Stewart Grayson, and on being awarded a platinum plus grading he said: "We are delighted with the grading. 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 2024 managing director Becky Wall said: "The toilets at The Wicket Gate have been designed and fitted out to a very high standard and are both clean and well maintained. The pub deserves its platinum plus award."