Pub slapped with zero-star hygiene rating

The pub dates back to 1700 and is located near Oxford Canal, situated six miles from Oxford. The site is described on its website as having, ‘all the charm and history you would expect of an English pub’.

The venue's website reads: "We look forward to meeting you and promise to do everything within our power to make your stay as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible."

According to the FSA, the venue failed to meet the specific criteria set out by the agency, which are needed to be met in order for hospitality venues to achieve reasonable hygiene ratings. Criteria within the FSA assessment include 'hygienic food handling' which, according to the agency assessment​  was logged at the 'improvement necessary' level.

Hygiene criteria

Other factors were also listed at 'major improvement necessary' including the site ‘cleanliness and condition of facilities and building’ as well as ‘management of food safety.’ According to the Oxford Mail​, a rodent infestation is the leading cause forcing the venue kitchen to close as well as the reason behind the site's senior chef resigning, the low score review was stated on 23 July of this year.

Other conditions that must be met in order for venues to achieve a positive rating are:

• Hygienic handling of food including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage.
• Having appropriate layout ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control) to enable good food hygiene.

Management and food safety requirements also entail 'system or checks in place in order to ensure food sold or served is safe to eat, alongside evidence that staff know about food safety and the food safety officer has confidence that food safety standards will be ensured in the future.'

Joint statement

The Morning Advertiser ​contacted the Highwayman but had not received a response at the time of publication.

However, owners and operators of the pub, father and son Nick and Mark Duvall told the Oxford Mail​: “The Environmental Hygiene Officer (EHO) visited us on 23 July 2024, at noon.

"The inspection took place jointly with our senior chef and indicated a minor rodent infestation with hygienic food handling improvements necessary. The kitchen was closed with immediate effect. Directors ordered a thorough deep clean of the kitchen and storage areas and an inspection by our pest control contractor.”

Describing the next stages of the process the joint statement said: “The EHO returned upon request at lunchtime on the 26 [July) indicating the kitchen could reopen directly.

"We were offered a complete re-inspection at a cost of £341 in order to gain an updated star rating. The senior chef has since resigned, and we are advertising this position and our kitchen has been closed on occasions while we are seeking a replacement.” The pair also described being closed for around ‘two days a week’ following the resignation of the previous chef.