Oxford’s Old Tom pub had mice during hygiene inspection

The Old Tom on Saint Aldate's is one of Oxford's busiest pubs due to its central location.

Yet when the pub was inspected by Oxford City Council’s Environmental Health team on Monday, January 15, major problems were discovered.

Inspectors noted that “major improvement [was] necessary” and subsequently handed the business a one-out-of-five hygiene rating.

The Old Tom is a busy pub in the city centre. (Image: Newsquest)

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The Oxford Mail has now obtained a copy of the full report from that inspection following a Freedom of Information request.

One major issue detailed in the report was the presence of mice throughout the pub with several signs of rodents.

“As mouse droppings were found in several areas, the open box of noodles in the first floor stock room, and any other open packets not in containers must be disposed of,” said the report.

“Low level cleaning in the kitchen, stock room, bar and first floor kitchen was poor.

Evidence of mice was discovered at the city centre pub. (Image: Unsplash)

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“Accumulations of dirt were evident beneath the equipment at the wall floor joints, on pipework and low level wall surfaces were also dirty.

“There was also evidence of mice in all of these areas.

“There is a hole to the bottom left hand corner of the rear door large enough for rodents.”

Elsewhere there were further sanitary problems with the lack of adequate and regular cleaning inside the pub and some broken equipment.

The pub can be found on Saint Aldates. (Image: Newsquest)

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“Several hand contact surfaces such as the handles to the fridges, freezers, and soap bottles were dirty,” continued the report.

“Tea towels were being used to dry hands at the wash hand basin; this is unsuitable as tea towels can hold onto and breed bacteria.

“The lid to the chest freezer nearest the hallway had a damaged lid and damaged seals.”

The pub is yet to be inspected again so the Oxford Mail approached The Old Tom for an updated comment on if any improvements had been made.

The pub was handed a lowly one-out-of-five hygiene score. (Image: Unsplash)

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Pub manager Rumpai Nusa said: “We are waiting for a new inspection but we are 100 per cent sure that everything is back on track.”

The Old Tom team has applied for another inspection and has sent images to Oxford City Council of the works enacted to improve the hygiene.

“Thank you for the update, it is great to hear there has been no evidence of pests on your last pest control visit,” responded a spokesperson for the council.

“I am pleased to see you and your team have worked hard over the past few weeks to complete the necessary works.”