Pub kitchen shut after 62 diners report vomiting and diarrhoea

19-Mar-2018 - Last updated on 19-Mar-2018 at 09:29 GMT

Closed until 'safe': the pub is operated by Hall & Woodhouse (image credit: photo © Philip Halling (cc-by-sa/2.0)

A Somerset pub has closed its kitchen and won’t reopen until “it is safe to do so” following a spate of illnesses among diners.

The Old Farmhouse in Nailsea, north Somerset, which is operated by Hall & Woodhouse, will keep its kitchen shut while investigations from North Somerset Council and Public Health England (PHE) continue.

A spokesperson for the pub company said: “Hall & Woodhouse has been made aware that a number of guests visiting the Old Farmhouse, Nailsea, on Sunday subsequently became ill with sickness and diarrhoea.

“This pub is one of our Business Partnerships and although we are not directly responsible for the pub, we are supporting the business partner during this time."

Ongoing investigation

The spokesperson added: “We understand that in the interest of guests, the business partner has closed the public house and will reopen once they are completely satisfied that it is safe to do so.”

Environmental health officers from North Somerset Council have visited the pub to assess its hygiene practices.

Operations assistant director Mandy Bishop said: “Since we became aware of the reported illness among diners, our environmental health officers have visited the premises to inspect the kitchen and assess preparation, cooking and storage practices.

“The venue has taken the precautionary decision to voluntarily close in order that they can fully co-operate with the investigation.”

Working together

PHE consultant in health protection Bayad Nozard outlined the symptoms diners have reported.

He said: “Those affected have reported mild to moderate illness including diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and abdominal cramps.

“It is good news that the majority of affected individuals appear to have recovered quickly. Our advice for anyone else affected is to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and stay away from work or school until symptom free for 48 hours.

“We are currently testing samples in order to identify exactly what has caused the illness. PHE is also working with the environmental health officers from North Somerset Council to ensure that appropriate precautions and procedures are in place.”