The Handy Plaice

2
Improvement Necessary
Inspected: 2026-01-27

Inspection Scores

Hygienic Food Handling
15
Structural Compliance
15
Confidence in Management
10

Lower scores indicate better performance. 0 = best, 25/30 = worst.

The Handy Plaice is a takeaway/sandwich shop located at 2 Market Street, Soham, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 5JG, in the East Cambridgeshire local authority area. Following its most recent inspection on 27 January 2026, it received a food hygiene rating of 2 (Improvement Necessary). The inspection assessed three categories: hygienic food handling (scored 15 — generally satisfactory), structural compliance (scored 15 — generally satisfactory), and confidence in management (scored 10 — good). In the FHRS scoring system, lower numbers indicate better performance, with 0 being the best possible score in each category. East Cambridgeshire oversees 772 registered food businesses, of which 81% hold a rating of Good (4) or Very Good (5). The average food hygiene rating in East Cambridgeshire is 4.7 out of 5. As a takeaway or sandwich shop, this business is assessed on food preparation practices, packaging hygiene, temperature control during storage and delivery, and the cleanliness of preparation areas. Food businesses in the UK are inspected by local authority environmental health officers. The frequency of inspections depends on the risk category — higher-risk businesses are inspected more frequently, typically every 6 to 12 months, while lower-risk establishments may be inspected every 2 to 3 years. Businesses that are not satisfied with their rating can request a re-inspection from their local authority or apply for a right to reply, which is published alongside the rating on the FSA website.

Details

Business Type
Takeaway/sandwich shop
Address
2 Market Street, Soham, Ely, Cambridgeshire
Postcode
CB7 5JG
Local Authority
East Cambridgeshire
Scheme Type
FHRS
FHRS Business ID
1911653

Location

FAQ

What is the food hygiene rating of The Handy Plaice?

The Handy Plaice has a food hygiene rating of 2 out of 5, as assessed by East Cambridgeshire.

What does a food hygiene rating of 2 mean for a takeaway/sandwich shop?

A rating of 2 means improvement is necessary. Inspectors found issues with food handling, the condition of the premises, or the management of food safety that need to be addressed to bring the business up to an acceptable standard.

When was The Handy Plaice last inspected?

The Handy Plaice was last inspected on 2026-01-27. Food businesses in the UK are typically re-inspected every 6 months to 3 years, depending on their risk category and previous rating.

How can The Handy Plaice improve its rating?

Businesses can improve their food hygiene rating by addressing the issues identified in their inspection report. Common areas for improvement include better temperature control, improved cleaning schedules, and stronger documentation of food safety procedures. Businesses can request a re-inspection from their local authority once improvements have been made, or apply for a right to reply.

Where is The Handy Plaice located?

The Handy Plaice is located at 2 Market Street, Soham, Ely, Cambridgeshire , CB7 5JG, in the East Cambridgeshire local authority area. You can view other food businesses in the CB7 postcode area.