Winchester pub the Willow Tree bounces back with new food hygiene rating as new landlords clean up its act

The Willow Tree pub in Durngate Terrace has been awarded a score of four after a visit from environmental health inspectors on April 6 2022.

It comes as the pub, owned by landlords Alex Godwin and Connor Rigg received a score of zero on December 14, 2021.

Alex said: "We've got new systems in the kitchen for general cleanliness and I do a sweep of the kitchen before bed, just to make sure it's all clean and everything has been done.

"We're really happy that we got a score of four. It's a shame it's not a five but we're really happy it's a four."

Alex Godwin and Connor Rigg

The two landlords took over the pub on Monday, November 22, just three weeks before their inspection, and feels the score would have been improved if they had more time.

Connor said: "We're disappointed that we got a zero in the first place. We shouldn't have let it get like that. When we took over we should have turned things around quicker."

READ MORE: Winchester pub the Willow Tree gets a zero food hygiene rating - owner vows to improve

Alex said: "We've learnt that there is more to it than what people expect. It's not just putting a burger on a hob. There's more to working in the kitchen and the same with a bar. It's not just pulling a pint. There's much more to it. The cleanliness, keeping up records, paperwork, it's not as easy as what people think it is.

Connor and Alex have turned things around, while ensuring new systems are put in place.

Alex said: "We have a training guide put in place, so any new staff will be trained by us. It's also helpful having a fresh pair of eyes every so often to see if there's anything that may have been missed.

The kitchen

"We've gone through the toughest of times for a pub, with Covid, winter and having a low score, but now we'll be on the total opposite side of where we were and we're delighted."

A spokesperson f om Winchester City Council confirmed the new Food Standards Agency rating.

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They said: "The city council environmental health team provide advice and support to businesses across the district.

"As part of the inspection of food premises, a rating is issued in line the food standards agency national food hygiene rating scheme.

"The Willow Tree was re-visited on April 5 and their updated rating of four is now shown on the food hygiene rating website.”

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