A WORCESTER pub has received a one star food hygiene rating, the second lowest available.

Portobello Inn has been given the rating by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) after an inspection on December 9.

A report into the St John's pub and restaurant, which is owned by the Marston's group, reveals that inspectors found "major improvement' was necessary in the management of food safety.

This key category looks at the system or checks in place to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat, evidence that staff know about food safety, and the food safety officer has confidence that standards will be maintained in future.

Worcester News:

The report said the Bransford Road-based pub's standards in hygienic handling of food was very good, while the cleanliness and condition of facilities and building were judged to be good.

But despite the positive standards found in those categories it did not prevent the pub receiving the one star rating from the FSA.

We contacted the pub for comment but no one responded before our deadline.

In receiving the rating the pub joins the growing list of one star rated food businesses in the city, which includes Age UK Worcester And District Lunch Club in Bilford Court, Your’s Pizza Bite / Little India in Ronkswood Hill, Lifestyle Express in Kilbury Drive, Happy Taste in Orchard Street and O Nosso Cafe in London Road.

No business in Worcester has zero stars, the lowest rating.

Each food business must display their FSA information on their venue and online.

Helen Cameron, food safety manager at Worcestershire Regulatory Services, said: “The food hygiene ratings are about putting power into the hands of the public because they can see at a glance the standard of hygiene in restaurants, cafes, take-aways and food retailers.

"We encourage people to alert us to any issues they find at food outlets on 01905 822799 or food.gov.uk.”

If managers disagree with a rating, or believe their business has been upgraded since receiving the rating listed on the FSA website, food.gov.uk, they should contact the FSA directly.

All information published is based on results on the FSA website, food.gov.uk, and is correct as of January 7, 2022, with inspections listed as the latest carried out.