A PUB in Berwick St James received a zero-hygiene rating following a surprise inspection.

The Boot Inn, on High Street, was visited by the Food Standards Agency on Friday, November 18.

The inspection found "major improvement" was needed with hygienic food handling and the management of food safety. 

Landlord Mick Doldon said: “We had a surprise inspection, and we had a list of things to put in place.”

The inspection covers hygienic food handling including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage, cleanliness and condition of facilities and buildings including pest control, hand washing facilities, ventilation, and layout.

The Boot Inn also failed in the management of food safety where evidence is required that staff know about food safety and that system or checks are in place to ensure food sold or served is safe to eat.

Mick Doldon added: “Everything they asked for has been done and we are compliant, but the rating has stayed which isn’t right.”

Improvement was also needed in cleanliness and condition of facilities and building.