A POPULAR village pub has received a one-star rating after a food safety and hygiene inspection.

The Prince of Wales pub in Woodham Road, Stow Maries, was given a one-star rating after a recent inspection.

Action must be taken within four weeks to improve.

In the report, the inspector said: “You must not keep food beyond their use by dates.

“It is an offence to hold foods beyond their use by dates.

“The worktop freezers in the external kitchen is holding food at -11.7c. This freezer must hold food at or below -18c.

“Many uncovered foods were found in the chest freezer in the shed. All foods must be covered.”

The owner, who was at his son’s wedding at the time of the inspection, said the issues are being looked into.

Rob Walster, the owner of the pub said: “During the time of the inspection there was an agency chef on shift who didn’t know anything about the pub.

“Over the previous years we have always had a five-star rating.

“The last time we had any confrontation over this was with agency staff.

“We have looked into it and will make sure the standards are high.

“The inspection shouldn’t have happened if no one who knew anything was there.”