A PUB in the Cotswolds has been given the worst possible food hygiene rating, while two Cirencester businesses have also been slammed by inspectors for poor standards.

The Crown Inn, in Cerney Wick, South Cerney was given a zero rating – which means ‘urgent improvement necessary’ – by Cotswold District Council in a report published following an inspection on January 4.

Two other food businesses – AJ Whiddett Bakery in Dollar Street and The Coffee House at Love Lane Industrial Estate in Elliott Road, both Cirencester – were given a one out of five rating in the ‘scores on the doors’ scheme.

The reports, published on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website, explain where the businesses failed to meet hygiene standards.

At The Crown Inn, the zero rating was a result of ‘major improvement’ being necessary in all three inspection categories: food handling, the cleanliness and condition of facilities and the building, and the management of food safety.

When the Wilts and Glos Standard approached the Crown Inn for a statement, a member of staff declined to comment.

AJ Whiddett was given the overall one rating after an inspection on February 28, however the business' food handling was praised as "very good".

It was the condition of the premises in Dollar Street and the system for managing food safety, both deemed to need 'major improvement' which saw the bakery given the overall one rating.

A spokesman for AJ Whiddett told the Standard: "It's to do with the fact that it's an old listed building that needs some work doing to it. It's not to do with the food and the shop – our food rating was actually scored really high."

At The Coffee House, which only opened in April and was inspected on May 10, inspectors rated the handling of food and management of food safety as both needing 'major improvement', while the condition of the premises was deemed 'good'.

A spokesman for The Coffee House said: "We didn't have the systems in place at the time of inspection as we are a new business, and the paperwork trail was missing. We are now going to reapply for a new inspection."

A Cotswold District Council spokesman said it was important for customers to be aware of the food hygiene rating awarded to a business, so they can make an informed decision about where to eat.

A spokesman said: “The scheme gives businesses a rating from five to 0 which is displayed at their premises and online so you can make more informed choices about where to buy and eat food.

“Businesses which are given low ratings must make urgent or major improvements to hygiene standards.

“The local authority food safety officer has several enforcement options available as well as giving advice and guidance to make sure these improvements are made.

“The food safety officer will also tell the business how quickly these improvements must be made and this will depend on the type of issue that needs to be addressed.

“Food hygiene is very important and we carry a regularly updated page with local ratings on our website at bit.ly/2X5naLP.”