Pub shuts for two days to 'fix' zero-rating for food hygiene

A CADNAM pub closed for two days following a food hygiene inspection in which it was given the worst possible zero rating.

The general manager of the Coach and Horses pub, Stephanie Brown, revealed in a statement on Facebook the Southampton Road establishment was shut specially to “fix” the problems flagged up by New Forest District Council inspectors.

“We have been operating and running the kitchen at great standards since the day we came here in 2017, this was a bad day, we took our eye off the ball and this is not how we represent ourselves,” the post continued.

“Our inspector has been back twice – the last time being 18th February – and he said that if he had seen it this way he would have given us a five.

“We can’t change the score without a re-inspection for which we have applied for and that will take six weeks to three months.”

It added: “As you know we are leaving – but we do still care and will care until the day we go. Thank you to all the customers who have sent us messages of support and have acknowledged this is not who we are.”

The NFDC rating revealed district council inspectors said “major improvements were necessary” in terms of food hygiene and management of food safety.

Improvement was “necessary” in terms of its cleanliness and condition of the building and conditions, the rating added.

There was shock at the rating on Facebook – but many loyal customers of the eatery rushed to defend it and the licensees.

“Love the Coach & Horses! Never had bad food once,” one woman said.