A PUB which re-opened just four months ago - with its new owners promising to "elevate the whole experience" - has been given a food hygiene rating of one and told ‘major improvement is necessary.’

Carl Gough took over ownership of the Muddy Toad at the Lower New Inn in Newport Road, Pontypool, in March.

At the time the business told the Argus it is trying to “elevate the whole experience” of the Pontypool pub by serving premium wines and food.

However, in the Food Standards Agency's (FSA) recent inspection the pub was given a food hygiene rating of one - just one above the lowest possible rating of zero - and was told ‘major improvement is necessary’ in the management of food safety.

Improvement was deemed necessary in the hygienic food handling, while a rating of 'good' was given to the cleanliness and condition of facilities and building.

In response to the FSA’s inspection report, The Muddy Toad agreed with the findings and said "conditions found at the time of the inspection were not typical".

South Wales Argus: The Muddy Toad's steak FritzThe Muddy Toad's steak Fritz (Image: The Muddy Toad)

The Muddy Toad’s full statement said: “I agree with the inspection findings but have since carried out the following improvements:

“There is now a new manager and/or new staff. The staff have been trained/re-trained/given instruction/are under revised supervisory arrangements.

“Furthermore, the conditions found at the time of the inspection were not typical of the normal conditions maintained at the establishment and since the inspection.

“We have re-arranged the layout of the kitchen, appointed a new head chef and implemented more robust processes.

“We understand the importance of an efficient layout that allows the kitchen staff to work in designated areas eliminating any potential cross over.

“We have requested a re-rating and are confident of achieving a five.”

The Food Hygiene Rating Act 2013 became law in Wales in March 2013 and includes pubs, cafes, restaurants, hotels, takeaways, schools, hospitals, canteens, care homes and corner shops.

The Argus contacted The Muddy Toad for comment.

Editor's note: This article previously incorrectly stated that Tom Lodge was co-owner of the business, when in fact he was an employee. He remains with the business as a non-executive creative lead, supporting with the creation of new menus and representing the business at events.