A north Norfolk pub has received a zero-out-of-five food hygiene rating.

The Horse and Groom, in Tunstead, was hit with the Food Standards Agency’s worst food hygiene rating after an inspection this month.

The report found the pub required improvement across all areas – including the hygienic handling of food, cleanliness and condition of the pub, and its management of food safety.

Eastern Daily Press: The Horse and Groom in Tunstead has received a zero-out-of-five food hygiene ratingThe Horse and Groom in Tunstead has received a zero-out-of-five food hygiene rating (Image: Newsquest)

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However, The Horse and Groom’s owners said the pub is currently being renovated, and the zero-out-of-five rating “is not an accurate reflection of the business”.

"We are not currently operating as a food business, we are only open for drinks," the owners of The Horse and Groom said.

"We are undergoing a complete renovation of our kitchen area, which is ongoing, and the assessment of zero was based on the kitchen currently being under these renovations. Therefore, this is not an accurate reflection of the business.

"The council will be coming out to assess the kitchen once completed, before we open for food sales. At this point, we will have an up-to-date food hygiene rating."

Eastern Daily Press: The Horse and Groom in TunsteadThe Horse and Groom in Tunstead (Image: Antony Kelly)