Zero-rated Powys pub given 'severe' food hygiene report

The Wheelwright Arms in Erwood was given a zero by inspectors but have said the majority of the issues were brought about by a broken freezer and refrigerator.

“I was bit shocked at the result,” said landlord David Blenkin. “When they came they said you will probably get a one or a two.

“The problems all came from my refrigeration. I had one freezer that had packed up, one fridge that didn’t work properly which were all meant to be under warranty.

“We got hold of the manufacturer company who supply them and they told us to get a local guy to look at them and that they could guarantee us for parts.”

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However, this caused delays and meant that they weren’t fixed when inspectors came to visit, meaning the food was overstocked in on fridge.

“The problem is everyone around here is so busy to get people to come out is a nightmare,” said David. “Hopefully someone will be out this week to rectify those.

“I know one of the concerns was there was fish on the same shelf as some cooked chicken. The inspector said ‘I understand your problem but this isn’t allowed’.”

Inspectors also marked the pub down for its paperwork but according to David this was an oversight.

“I forgot about the hygiene certificate renewals just because we are lucky enough to be busy," he added. “They were just forgotten about.”

“The inspector was very pleasant and polite and explained everything very deeply – but the report did feel severe.”

David has said they have applied for a reinspection and is completely confident they will be back to the highest ratings.

“They sent the rating through and said they’d be back in a week,” said David.

“They told us everything was now fine and told me I can put in for a revisit but that can take up to three months.

“Hopefully it will come sooner to be fair Powys County Council are usually quite quick. I would be very confident we would end up back as a four or a five immediately, that is what we have always had.”