A POPULAR Winchester pub has been given a food hygiene rating score of zero.

The Willow Tree pub in Durngate Terrace was awarded the lowest score following a visit from the environmental health inspectors on December 14, 2021.

The premises is currently run by Alex Godwin and Connor Rigg, who took over the pub on November 22, three weeks before the inspection.

READ MORE HERE:'Cruel, controlling and obsessive' Winchester doctor suspended after tribunal

They said they have been working hard to bring the riverside pub, which has a four star rating on TripAdvisor and also features in the Good Pub Guide, up to standard.

Alex said: "We have taken measures as quickly as possible to get it safe. We have also put new systems in place and had everything cleaned properly."

Alex, who has been in the pub trade for eight years, admits the score was a big shock.

He said: "I was very taken back and felt disheartened. It was a very big shock and I do feel disappointed but now it is clean and ready to use on a day to day basis."

SEE ALSO: ‘Time to restore one of city’s treasures’ - St Giles Hill in Winchester

The pub owners have said they have had regular contact with the council officers to make sure they do what is needed to improve the score, make the pub safe and to make sure it can continue running.

Alex appealed for people to show their support.

Alex said: "We're waiting to hear back on the next inspection. We have put new systems in place, which is a massive improvement.

"The main thing we want to do is be involved in the community. We want customers to come into a nice, friendly atmosphere."

 

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from Winchester by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page, click this link and hit like.