Michelin-Starred Pub Titled 'UK's Best' Receives Subpar Hygiene Rating

A restaurant that previously earned a Michelin star and was considered the top pub in the UK has received a two-star food hygiene rating.

The Seasalter-based Sportsman inn received a low rating following inspections by health officials who noted multiple problems in the kitchen.

The issues included dirt and mold on the ceiling of the walk-in refrigerator as well as pickled cucumbers kept in a noticeably dirty pitcher. KentOnline reports .

This development follows the gastropub gaining several awards in recent times after being acquired by brothers Stephen and Phil Harris back in 1999.

In 2015, The Sportsman—a pub dubbed by its proprietors as a 'seaside dive bar in disarray'—was awarded the title of Britain’s finest public house.

In 2008, seven years prior, the pub was awarded its Michelin star, taking pride in serving dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients.

However, an environmental health officer from Canterbury City Council (CCC) criticized the management following his inspection of the restaurant in February.

In addition to the mold found in the walk-in refrigerator, mold was also detected inside a door of an under-counter refrigerator.

The inspector commented, "I observed an employee dining in the kitchen area, towels draped over two chefs' shoulders, and another individual sporting multiple leather bracelets."

You need to revisit your personal hygiene policies. The ready-to-eat pickled cucumbers were kept in a noticeably dirty pitcher.

During the inspection on February 13, structural problems within the edifice, dating back nearly 400 years in certain areas, were noted as well.

This encompassed areas where linoleum flooring was worn out or absent, damages to baseboards, and a damaged section of wall close to the bar area. Additionally, there were signs of corrosion affecting both the rubber lining as well as the shelves inside the refrigerators.

The report stated: "The lighting in the lobby and the dry food storage area located between the kitchen and bar is inadequate for properly preparing food, cleaning, disinfecting, and inspecting for pest infestations."

The kitchen steps lack a surface that is readily cleanable and disinfectible.

'I found a gap to the left side of the cellar door, which could potentially allow pests to enter the premises.

The spots emphasized specifically included beneath and around the edges of refrigerators, as well as the area near the office door and the legs of tables—these were noted for requiring additional attention during cleaning.

However, even with the discovery of two contaminated cutting boards, the report indicated that the pub maintains a 'satisfactory food safety management system'.

The inspector noted, "Nonetheless, the staff members did not implement all of the recognized control measures at crucial junctures."

It was observed specifically that essential measures to safeguard food from contamination were not implemented — the daily diary entries for February were incomplete, and there was no allergen review conducted.

The site owner, Shepherd Neame, has stated that the staff promptly addressed the issues and have applied for a reassessment. A new inspection is scheduled to occur in the upcoming weeks.

The council mentioned that they had been closely monitoring the venue after receiving a negative review.

A spokesperson further stated: "The company took the issues raised by our officer quite seriously, and we are glad to mention that significant progress has been made in resolving these matters."

The Sportsman has submitted an application for a reinspection, and we anticipate a substantial improvement in their rating when we return in the coming weeks.

The fish and seafood served at the pub typically originate from the Thames Estuary, whereas the meat and poultry are supplied by local farms in close proximity.

The Harris siblings also cultivate several of their own ingredients in their modest kitchen garden and polytunnel.

Famous personalities who have eaten at this location include Gary Lineker, Paul Hollywood, and Amanda Holden.

The five-course tasting menu costs £85 per person, whereas the three-course midweek menu is priced at £55 each.

The pub offers pickled herring served with white cabbage salad alongside poached rock oysters topped with pickled cucumbers and avruga caviar.

Dogs are not permitted at the venue.

Greg Wallis, who serves as the director of tenanted pub operations at Shepherd Neame, stated in a release that the Faversham-based brewery "collaborates closely with our pub partners to provide assistance across various aspects of their businesses."

He stated: "After their latest evaluation, the group from The Sportsman promptly addressed every concern raised and have submitted an application for a recalculation. We believe this will result in the establishment receiving a more favorable ranking shortly."

Even though no pests were spotted at the location, supervisors were recommended by the inspector to hire experts for pest control since employees had been setting up their own traps and using poisons.