A recent report highlights serious hygiene concerns at The Ship Inn in Middlestone, prompting urgent improvements.
Bishop Auckland:
The Ship Inn at Middlestone had a hygiene inspection on November 27 last year. The pub was told it needed major improvements.
Inspectors found issues with food safety management and cleanliness. They rated it as needing major improvement.
A spokesperson for the pub mentioned plans to remove old equipment. This would help with deep cleaning and improve their rating.
Durham County Council released the hygiene report, revealing many dirty areas and equipment. The cleanliness standards were deemed unsatisfactory.
One major issue was raw chicken and fish stored next to ready-to-eat foods in the fridge. This posed a risk of cross-contamination.
Inspectors noted that high-risk food surfaces weren’t disinfected properly. They also found non-food items stored on food equipment.
There was a gap under the cellar door, which could let pests in. Inspectors said it needs to be sealed.
Using tin foil on surfaces in the kitchen was another concern. Foil shouldn’t line equipment or shelves.
Inspectors also found damaged wire wool being used in the pub.
Several areas were particularly dirty, including:
- Spaces between shelving units
- Flooring in the food equipment cupboard
- Walls and floors under cooking equipment
- External surfaces of cupboard doors
- The pizza oven
- Electrical sockets and switches
The cellar’s floor, walls, and shelving were also dirty. The bar area’s shelving needed cleaning too.
Other dirty spots included the microwave, food containers, worn chopping boards, and fryers. There were also damaged trays in the freezer.
Inspectors found issues with the under-counter fridge and freezer seals. Some areas were in disrepair, like the cellar floor and kitchen door.
Management had gaps in their records. The allergen matrix was missing dates and items.
No temperature records were kept for cooked or reheated foods. Although temperatures were taken, they should be recorded.
Containers used for raw chicken were reused without proper cleaning. Inspectors said this practice must stop.
Water was pooling behind the under-counter fridge. The food safety officer advised against keeping cooked foods for too long.
Despite the low rating, The Ship Inn has good reviews online, holding a 4.6-star rating on Google.
One customer praised the food and friendly staff. Another called it a fabulous local find with great hospitality.
The Northern Echo reached out to The Ship for comments.
