Raw meat stored on a chiller floor, blood, dirty kitchen equipment and a broken soap dispenser were among concerns identified during a food hygiene inspection of the Castle Inn, which was inspected following a complaint – and has since closed its kitchen indefinitely.
The establishment was initially deemed a 1-star premises following an inspection on 18th June, but successfully appealed the decision under the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.
The individual score for food hygiene was subsequently revised from 15 to 10, resulting in an overall 2-star rating, meaning ‘some improvement is necessary’, although this was never officially confirmed on the report.
Inspectors identified a series of issues involving cleanliness, food storage, handwashing facilities and food safety management.
Blood was found on the floor of a walk-in chiller after leaking from a packet of raw meat which had been stored on the floor, with the practice identified as presenting a contamination risk.
Old food debris was also reported beneath the oven, racking, under-counter fridge and plate warmer, as well as around the bin.
Worktops were dirty, and a sandwich toaster was said not to have been cleaned for a considerable period.
Grease was identified on the canopy, wall and electrical plug behind the fryers, while parts of the microwave, freezer, oven, pipework and fridge seals also required cleaning.
Inspectors raised further concerns about equipment coming into contact with food.
Chopping boards were described as heavily scored and dirty to the point they could not be effectively cleaned, while a sieve had broken wire and several plastic jugs were stained. The chopping boards and sieve were required to be replaced.
In the cellar, inspectors found an accumulation of old equipment and bottles, a sink with a build-up of a black substance and cobwebs above the beer lines.
Other food storage issues included uncovered open food being kept in boxes inside a freezer and lemon juice, which required refrigeration after opening, being stored at room temperature.
Handwashing facilities were also highlighted, with the soap dispenser at the wash hand basin found to be broken. A new bottle of soap placed beside the basin could not be used either because its dispenser was faulty.
Although the Castle Inn had food safety procedures in place through a Safer Food Better Business pack, inspectors found diary pages and review sheets had not been completed since 11th May.
The refuse storage area contained old bags and other items, as well as a build-up of debris on the floor. Inspectors noted that the issue had also been raised during a previous inspection.
The business was required to make improvements across the areas identified, however, just over a month after the inspection, the Castle Inn announced that its kitchen would close indefinitely from the evening of 27th July.
In a statement published on Facebook, the pub said a combination of circumstances had led to the decision, including family health commitments and ongoing cost-of-living pressures affecting small businesses.
The Castle Inn described closing the kitchen as a very difficult decision and thanked customers who had supported its food offering over the years.
It confirmed that the pub itself would remain open as usual for drinks, live entertainment and customers.
The Facebook statement did not link the decision to close the kitchen to the food hygiene inspection.
Island Echo has contacted the pub’s owners on 2 occasions seeking comment about the inspection and subsequent food hygiene rating, but they have declined to comment.
