A well-known countryside pub has issued a message to their customers explaining the reasons behind a low hygiene rating and offering reassurance over hygiene standards.

The Elm Tree at Elmton has recently received a two-out-of-five food hygiene score following an inspection carried out on March 18.

The score, issued by Food Standards Agency means that “improvement is necessary”.

Inspectors found that management of food safety as well as hygienic handling of food including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage were “generally satisfactory”.

The Elm Tree Inn at Main Road in Elmton was inspected on March 18 and received a two-out-of-five food hygiene rating.

placeholder image — The Elm Tree Inn at Main Road in Elmton was inspected on March 18 and received a two-out-of-five food hygiene rating.

But the report states improvement in cleanliness and condition of facilities and building was “necessary”.

The pub, on Main Road in the village of Elmton, has issued an online statement to customers on Monday, April 27, explaining the low rating and offering reassurance over the hygiene standards at the venue.

The statement reads: “We're aware that our recent food hygiene rating has been shared online, and we wanted to speak directly to our customers openly and honestly.

“The rating was largely due to structural issues within our kitchen, which is part of a building that is over 200 years old.

"These included damaged wall surfaces and original exposed beams in the dishwashing area that required protective cladding.

"These were building-related matters rather than concerns over the care, preparation, or cooking of food.

“Punch Pubs & Co, who own the building, have since attended the property and carried out the required structural and roof repairs within the kitchen.

“We want to reassure everyone that our food hygiene and kitchen practices remain as strong as they have ever been.

"Great care is taken every single day by our kitchen team to prepare and cook food to the highest standards, and that commitment has never changed.

“The Elm Tree is far more than a business to us. It has been our life for the past 17 years, and the support of our customers means everything. “We care deeply about creating a place people can trust, enjoy, and feel proud to visit.

“We have requested a revisit from Environmental Health and look forward to welcoming them back so that our updated rating can reflect the improvements that have now been completed.

“We also believe in being open and transparent. Any customer who would like reassurance is more than welcome to speak with us and have a look around our kitchen to see firsthand the standards we work hard to maintain.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years and continues to stand by us. Your kindness, loyalty and encouragement mean more than you know.”