Out of date food, risk of cross-contamination and numerous issues with paperwork has led to the Old Village Inn in Bembridge receiving a ‘Major Improvement Necessary’ rating from food hygiene inspectors.
The Isle of Wight Council’s Environmental Health team paid a visit to the High Street establishment, owned and run by Bembridge Pubs Limited, on 20th January this year and found the situation to be less than favourable, with the pub coming within touching distance of a 0 rating.
During the inspection, it was found that out of date food was stored in the kitchen fridges – the oldest being a bag of ready to eat baby leaf salad that was 8 days past its ‘use by’ date of 12th January. Inspectors noted that the system of stock rotation and control had failed in multiple cases and on repeated days – with stock control issues also raised at the last inspection in 2020, as well as in 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
It was also discovered that a vacuum packer was being used for ready to eat foods such as crayfish tails and coleslaw mix, but was then also being used for packing raw vegetables such as peeled potatoes and carrots. This is said to have brought about a risk of E. Coli bacteria cross-contamination. Furthermore, vacuum packing bags were not protected from contamination and were covered in debris, with cobwebs and a dead spider present.
Inspectors noted that ready to eat and raw foods were stored in the same type/appearance containers. Some of these had the label or label residue on them from previous use. Additionally, there was a stack of these tubs in the dry store that were still visibly wet and were not able to air dry effectively, creating an environment that bacteria, if present, would be more likely to multiply in.
Although inspectors did not find any evidence of pest problems, it was noted that the record sheet recorded historic mouse and rat activity as recently as December.
Other issues found include:
- The use of Dettol Antibacterial Surface spray to sanitise food contact surfaces and equipment is said to have been inadequate as it does not meet officially recognised laboratory standards for effectiveness against a range of micro-organisms.
- There was no wash hand basin available in the washing up area.
- Menu described the Steak & Ale pie as being made with Isle of Wight beef. However, no delivery notes, invoices or packaging were available to verify this.
- The ventilation ducting above the pizza preparation area had an open end and was positioned so that dust/debris may be deposited on or near the work surface.
- Areas of kitchen walls were noted to be constructed from bare wood which is not suitable for use in a room where food is prepared, treated or processed.
- The location of the electric fly killer above the clean equipment racks may lead to the equipment by dead flies. This has since been resolved.
- A white chopping board was heavily stained and scored and a blue chopping board was scored and had an area of plastic that appeared to have melted.
- The metal chopping board holder was dusty and was beginning to show rust spots
- Failed to provide an indication in the required manner that information about allergic ingredients used could be obtained by asking a member of staff.
Despite the list of problems, inspectors did find the general standard of cleanliness was good.
Jay Chapman, of the Old Village Inn, has taken to social media to defend the 1-star rating. He’s said:
“Our review visit on its star rating is mainly due to the shell of the non-essential preparation areas that we are now addressing. If it was a food, dirt situation we would not be able to operate.
“Personally, the system is outdated as it needs one system for how clean you are and one for what needs doing. Unfortunately, they combine it. As in last year 2020 & 2021 we were 1 star as they had completed their visit with the kitchen closed in the pandemic and destroyed. This didn’t mean we were dirty or wrong.
“We will always promote a healthy clean kitchen, what business wouldn’t want that? And always open for visitation & inspection”.
Food Hygiene Rating – Scores on the Doors
Compliance with food hygiene and safety procedures – 15
Compliance with structural requirements – 15
Confidence in management/control procedures – 20
Total score: 50 (1 rating)
IF thi were to occur elsewhere, howls of protest would errupt, especially should the one star be given to a non indigenous run fast food outlet.
Yet, as always, because it is ‘Bembridge’ then apparently excuses are supposed to be accepted for bad practices and facilities falling well short of what is expected.
Seems as always, an upmarket post code is used to excuse the un-excusable, be it as this poor hygeine,as in this case, or hi jinks behaviour of the youth, whereas in other towns having the same issues, people would see it rightly for what it really is.
Thankfully the inspectors see through the decor and charm, well done guys.
Council should close them down until it’s fit for purpose.
Even the rodents won’t eat there.
It would appear that the Management are not particularly interested in conforming to the rules – the issue of stock rotation has been noted for SIX consecutive inspections!!
Come on EHO – time to be a bit more robust in your actions – ‘came within touching distance if a ZERO rating’ -REALLY?! What are you doing?
I own 12 holiday lets and often send guests to this establishment, sadly I won’t be this year until their rating has vastly improved. Thank goodness we get to see these reports or I wouldn’t have known how bad it was.
Reading this, glad I have never eaten there, and now I never will. Nether will anyone else I know either…..
Council should close it down until the issues have been corrected.
No small wonder then the owner can afford to swan around in huge electric vehicle, any business can do well by creating a smart outwards apperance to lull the unaware through the door, but it is what one doesn’t see which matters most where food and human health is concerened.
We are lucky to have such diligent health officers.
Imagine what they would uncover should they arrive fully unannounced in the height of the season in many eating establishments here.
Best eat elsewhere until new staff are employed imo, or keep 111 on speed dial.
Yes there were some minor basics that needed changes, these have been addressed and 90% sorted on the actual day of inspection, but they have to rate it as they find it. These items resolved, the outstanding issues are the shell of the kitchen which I have been addressed with immediate affect with our local contractor William Mark Skeldon and team and once resolved we, have a re-inspection booked and as stated, are looking towards a 4 status plus. We have reshaped the team, & have some great news with an award winning chef & his team joining us at the end of March. Big pants on we are dealing with it instantly Thank you.
I am trying to support you by giving you a like thumbs up, but
this stupid site says I have already voted when I clearly haven’t ?????
Never a problem thank you, we can’t help haters. We have done some amazing building work today. Starting to look amazing. Thank you.
Not been in there for a few years,
But I grew up in Bembridge.
In my opinion you should have left it as a wet house.
It once was a lovely, friendly local community hub. Great staff and locals.
But now it seems that it is only interested in the rich second home owners. Same as the birdham was, well, same as the whole village really. But that ain’t your fault ( entirely ). Good luck for the future.
I still will not be giving you custom any time soon
My wife, who has a serious dairy allergy, and I ate in on Friday. After speaking to the chef at the kitchen door, we were soon able to confirm that her ingredients were dairy free and we both ate well. From what we saw of the kitchen, it was gleaming and did not give cause for concern. Sometimes, when I read a report such as this, I do wonder how many stars the majority of homes would receive, or in fact the inspectors kitchen?
No point having an award winning chef if the facilities and management of those facilities are well below par. Get your house in order and concentrate on safeguarding your customers.
I have eaten at this pub for the past 20 years, and have never been ill, the food has been amazing.
Don’t always believe what you read? I know of establishments, very well known with a 5 star rating and the filthiest places I’ve ever worked or been in! I wouldn’t post their names as unfair.
Every kitchen in every restaurant cafe or hotel has some kind of issue.
What you have written is the biggest load of bollocks that I’ve ever read. Get your house in order
Not a very nice thing to say.
Have you already got beef with him then ? WHO are YOU to order some one to get THERE house in order ?
Seems to be becoming a regular occurrence on this islands establishments that food “grown or grazed on the Isle of Wight” is not actually the case.