Pontypool pub earns Wales’ highest hygiene rating after new owners reopen it.
The Lower New Inn, on Newport Road in New Inn, received five stars after an inspection in August 2026.
A food safety officer found very good standards of food hygiene during the visit. The rating is the highest available under Wales’ Food Hygiene Rating Scheme and means a business was meeting very good standards when inspected.
Inspectors rated the pub “very good” for hygienic food handling. This includes the preparation, cooking, reheating, cooling and storage of food.
The business received a “good” rating for the cleanliness and condition of its facilities and building. This covers the layout, ventilation, handwashing facilities and pest control.
Management of food safety was also rated “good”. This reflects the systems and checks used to make sure food served to customers is safe to eat.
The result comes soon after Daniel Smart and Tiffany Messer Smart took over the historic venue.
The couple recently told the South Wales Argus they wanted to restore its role as a community pub. They have reported strong support since reopening, with evenings fully booked during the first week.
Sunday lunches were also popular, while about 70 diners attended a new community lunch initiative.
The owners said: “Today we received a 5 Food Hygiene Rating from the EHO, and we honestly couldn't be prouder.”
They said: “We've only been open a short time, so achieving the highest possible rating this early is a massive accomplishment for our whole team.”
The owners said there had been “an enormous amount of work” behind the scenes to maintain cleanliness, food safety and preparation standards from the first day of trading.
They also praised kitchen and front-of-house staff for helping secure the result.
The owners said: “We set out to create a pub we could be proud of, and today feels like a pretty big tick in the box.”
They thanked customers for their support since the reopening, saying every booking, meal, pint, review and recommendation had helped the business reach the milestone.
The scheme operates across Wales, with businesses graded from zero to five. Lower ratings can mean improvements are needed.
The Lower New Inn’s latest result reassures customers that the pub was found to be operating at the highest food hygiene standard available under the scheme.
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