GK pub seeks re-inspection after zero rating on hygiene

The Star pub was visited by food and safety officers of the North Somerset Council on 18 October and was handed a zero rating, meaning it needed improvements in a number of areas. 

‘Hygienic food handling’ was highlighted, which requires upgrading in processes such as preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage.

Major improvement was also necessary in cleanliness and condition of facilities and building, which involves having an appropriate layout, ventilation, hand-washing facilities and pest control.

The pub in Congresbury also required an overhaul in management of food safety, which entails necessary checks to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat, as well as evidence that staff know about food safety, and the food safety officer has confidence that standards will be maintained in future.

An unacceptable lapse​

A spokesperson for the Star said: “We pride ourselves on our normally high standards and apologise to customers for this brief but unacceptable lapse.

“We took immediate action in October to remedy the issues identified and have worked closely with the council since to ensure they are happy with our improvements.”

Council inspectors have visited the pub twice in November to make sure work was under way on making the upgrades.

The Star is now on a ‘standstill’ period until 18 January when a further inspection visit is expected to determine a new hygiene rating for the premises.

The 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.”