THE owner of a restaurant and hotel near Kidderminster says "there's no excuse" for receiving a one-out-of-five food hygiene rating following an inspection.

The Royal Forester Country Inn at Callow Hill in Rock was awarded the rating following an inspection by Worcestershire Regulatory Services last month.

The inspection report highlights that "high-risk food," including butter and clotted cream, was "available for use with expired dates" at the time of the visit. 

The report said a blocked drain in the food storeroom "must be repaired immediately," as well as damaged flooring.

It also said that a documented food safety management system was not in place.

Sean McGahern, who runs the restaurant and bed and breakfast, said he was disappointed with the rating after what has been a difficult period for the establishment.

Despite a recruitment drive, he said the restaurant's been struggling to find new staff members.

Mr McGahern said: "I've been in the business over 30 years. We are very disappointed with the rating.

"There's no excuse for it, but we are under incredible pressure from the lack of staff at the moment.

"We are working with the council to get it all sorted".

He added: "Just keeping on top of things has been an issue. It's something we've got to work very hard on despite the lack of manpower.

"I've never found it this hard trying to recruit staff".