The Greyhound receives zero stars from council inspectors

A popular pub just next to Kew Bridge known for its beer garden and views of Kew Gardens has been given a zero rating by the Food Standards Agency, but the general manager insists it would now “easily reach four stars or above” since “major structural changes” have been implemented.

The Greyhound features on many lists of the capital’s best beer gardens and is described by customers on TripAdvisor as “a cosy, beautifully presented pub, with welcoming, warm service and great food.”

It was inspected in June this year and awarded the zero rating after receiving a “major improvement necessary” rating for hygienic food handling, cleanliness and condition of facilities and building, and management of food safety.

However, the general manager said the main issue was with the poor ventilation in the basement kitchens, which had not been flagged as a problem during previous inspections.

Sunny Kharbanda said, “there had been some teething problems with new processes that were implemented in the kitchen at the Greyhound earlier this year, which were the contributing factors to the rating,” but changes were made “immediately” after the result of the inspection.

He added, “In the first instance any urgent changes that were recommended, including structural work, have been carried out immediately. There has been a significant investment in the last three months running into the tens of thousands by the owners to ensure that our new policies and procedures have been implemented to the highest standard and so that we remain consistent with our processes.

“Please rest assured we are now at a stage where any final structural and non-urgent recommendations are being completed as we speak and due to be completed within the next few weeks.

“We have been working closely with a non-associated organisation which is FSA approved, to ensure all work has been finished and processes implemented to the highest standard. Furthermore, we have submitted an application to our local council to have our premises re-inspected as soon as possible. We are confident that our current food hygiene rating would easily reach four stars or above.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has requested to see the food safety officer’s report.

Sian Bayley – Local Democracy Reporter

September 2, 2019