A POPULAR pub in Rhuddlan has bounced back from a poor hygiene score earlier this year with a “much better” score in a recent inspection.

The New Inn, on Rhuddlan High Street, was given a surprising one-out-of-five food hygiene rating after assessment on June 9, leaving customers shocked.

However, after a re-inspection on October 26, the pub received a four-out-of-five rating, finishing narrowly short of the maximum five.

The months between the two inspections were difficult for the pub, with owner Steve Gill saying the result was “disheartening” for the team.

“We were having works on the kitchen at the time – decorating, painting and new walls being done,” Steve told the Journal.

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“It was a bit disheartening, she came and gave us a one and wouldn’t come back and rescore us.

“We ended up with a few cancellations for parties and Christmas when we got the one.”

This did not deter the business, but rather spurred it on to complete the renovation work, ready for its reassessment.

Steve continued: “It’s much better, everything the lady picked up on we rectified.

“Anything she thought needed replacing has been done – we’ve made sure that everything is back as it should be.”