Greene King pub fights to reverse one-star hygiene rating

The Bell Hotel & Inn, Thetford, was given a one-star rating by Breckland Council on 15 October but the pub is hopeful in its standards and regaining its previous rating, which was higher.

A spokesman for the Bell in Thetford said: “We pride ourselves on our normally high standards and we took immediate action in October when the inspection took place to remedy the issues identified and have worked closely with the local authority since on this.”

Scattered around ​

Because of the nature of the food business, it is necessary to provide adequate changing facilities for staff to change into their protective over-clothing before starting work.

However, the report read: “The changing room for the catering staff was extremely poor with dirty clothing and towels scattered around, and the room was dirty.”

The standard of cleaning to the structure of the kitchen was also described as “poor” with kitchen equipment and surfaces that come into contact with high-risk foods were also called “dirty”.

There was also no sign of a Greene King food safety record book for the week beginning 14 October and, therefore, there was no records or evidence that checks had been carried out, according to the report.

Seeking re-inspection ​

The report read: “I was disappointed to find that standards had dropped since your re-score inspection earlier this year.

“The standard of the kitchen was unsatisfactory as detailed in the report. I must point out that if similar conditions are found in the future, formal action could be taken, including the service of notices or legal action.”

The Greene King spokesman continued: “We are confident in the pub's standards and are seeking a re-inspection to regain our previous high rating as soon as possible.”

Since the inspection, a follow-up visit has taken place to ensure all the improvements were on track, which they were. Another formal re-inspection is pending.