Sometimes, even the brightest stars can lose their shine. That’s the case for The Sportsman, a Michelin-starred gastropub in Seasalter, Kent, which was recently handed a disappointing two-star food hygiene rating. This establishment, once celebrated as the UK’s best pub, found itself in hot water after a health inspection revealed some less-than-appetizing conditions in its kitchen.

From Award-Winning to Warning Signs

The Sportsman’s journey to culinary fame is quite the story. Brothers Stephen and Phil Harris took over the “grotty rundown boozer by the sea” in 1999 and transformed it into an award-winning destination. In 2008, they earned a Michelin star, and in 2015, they were crowned the best pub in the UK. Their secret? A focus on locally-sourced ingredients and a menu that wowed critics and foodies alike.

But even the most acclaimed restaurants aren’t immune to hygiene slip-ups. A February inspection by Canterbury City Council (CCC) revealed some troubling issues:

• Mould and dirt: Inspectors found mould on the ceiling of the walk-in refrigerator and inside a door within an under-counter refrigerator.
• Questionable storage: Pickled cucumber was being stored in a “heavily stained jug.”
• Hygiene policy violations: A staff member was observed eating in the kitchen, and chefs were wearing cloths over their shoulders and leather bracelets.
• Structural concerns: The building, parts of which are almost 400 years old, had issues like worn flooring, damaged skirting boards, and rusting refrigerator shelving.
• Pest control: There was insufficient lighting in key areas, a non-cleanable kitchen step, and a gap in the cellar door that could allow pests to enter.

While the report acknowledged that The Sportsman has a “satisfactory food safety management system,” it also noted that staff weren’t consistently following the identified controls. This included failing to protect food from contamination, neglecting the daily diary, and lacking an allergen review.

Immediate Action and a Plan for Improvement

To their credit, The Sportsman’s team responded quickly to the inspection’s findings. Site owner Shepherd Neame stated that staff “took immediate action” to address the problems and have already applied for a rescore. A new inspection is expected to take place in the coming weeks, and the council seems optimistic that the pub will improve its rating.

Greg Wallis, director of tenanted pub operations at Shepherd Neame, emphasized the brewery’s commitment to supporting its pub partners. He expressed confidence that The Sportsman would soon return to a higher rating.

Lessons for the Industry

The Sportsman’s story serves as a reminder that maintaining high food safety standards is an ongoing effort. Even establishments with prestigious awards and accolades need to remain vigilant. Here are some key takeaways for the food industry:

• Regular Inspections: Don’t wait for an official inspection to identify potential problems. Conduct regular self-audits to ensure compliance with hygiene standards.
• Staff Training: Ensure all staff members are thoroughly trained on food safety practices and understand the importance of following established protocols.
• Maintenance Matters: Address structural issues promptly to prevent pest infestations and maintain a clean and safe environment.
• Documentation is Key: Keep accurate records of food safety checks, allergen reviews, and other critical control points.
• Continuous Improvement: Food safety is not a one-time fix. It requires a commitment to continuous improvement and a willingness to adapt to changing regulations and best practices.

The Sportsman’s experience shows that even the best in the business can face challenges. By taking swift action and implementing necessary improvements, they can regain their reputation and continue serving their loyal customers with confidence.

The Guardstar food safety team, understand the complexities and challenges of maintaining impeccable food safety standards. Our team of food safety experts is dedicated to helping restaurants like yours avoid the pitfalls of poor hygiene ratings.

We offer comprehensive installation and support services to ensure your establishment meets and exceeds health inspection requirements. Plus, we provide tailored training programs for your staff, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain a pristine environment and impress even the most discerning inspectors. With Guardstar by your side, you can focus on delivering exceptional dining experiences while we take care of the rest.