Pubs have been praised for their flawless flushing, spotless surfaces and tasteful tiling in a national prize scheme.

Wetherspoon watering holes JJ Moons in Hornchurch, The Colley Rowe Inn in Collier Row and The Moon and Stars in Romford have each received platinum ratings in this year's Loo of the Year Awards.

Inspectors made surprise visits to the lavatories, judging them on their décor and maintenance, cleanliness, accessibility, hand washing and drying equipment and overall management.

Romford Recorder: Manager at Moons and Stars pub in Romford pictured in the bar's washroomManager at Moons and Stars pub in Romford pictured in the bar's washroom (Image: JD Wetherspoon)The awards are aimed at highlighting and improving standards of ‘away from home’ toilets across the country.

Inspectors visited “thousands of toilets” at various sites in the UK to rate the quality of their facilities.

Romford Recorder: Manager Carl White at JJ Moons in Hornchurch showcases their gents toiletManager Carl White at JJ Moons in Hornchurch showcases their gents toilet (Image: JD Wetherspoon)

Toilets are given silver, gold, platinum, platinum plus or diamond ratings, with “unacceptable” toilets not graded at all.

Managers at the three Wetherspoon pubs said their staff ensure the toilets are in “excellent condition” at all times, and this has been recognised by the inspectors.

Romford Recorder: Luke Ward, from The Colley Rowe Inn in Collier Row said he is 'delighted' with their platinum ratingLuke Ward, from The Colley Rowe Inn in Collier Row said he is 'delighted' with their platinum rating (Image: JD Wetherspoon)

The Loo of the Awards 2023 managing director, Becky Wall, added that the three toilets have been designed and fitted out to a very high standard and are both clean and well maintained.

“The pubs deserve their platinum awards”, she said.