Here's why Garstang's popular pub restaurant the Wheatsheaf was awarded a 1-star food hygiene rating

A popular Garstang pub restaurant is due to undergo a follow-up inspection after being handed a one star food hygiene rating.

Food safety officers from Wyre Council raised a number of concerns after visiting the Wheatsheaf in Park Hill Road on July 18, 2025.

Management were told that ‘major improvements’ were necessary to ensure that food was safe to eat after a number of ‘contraventions’ were recorded by food safety officers.

Following a Freedom of Information request, the Post was provided with a copy of the inspection report. The report explains why the pub was awarded a one out of five rating for its food hygiene.

Inspectors found the handles to equipment and cupboard door handles were engrained with food debris. The pub was told to ensure these are cleaned regularly to prevent cross contamination.

The temperature probe heads were found to be engrained with food debris which was being used to check raw and ready to eat/cooked foods.

Inspectors said this creates a risk of cross contamination. The pub was told it must use different equipment or ensure adequate cleaning and disinfection between uses or clean the thermometer adequately.

It was noted that food handlers were not wearing suitable and clean over-clothing. Management was told they must ensure that all persons working in food handling areas wear suitable, clean and, where appropriate, protective clothing.

The extractor filters in the canopy were in a dirty/greasy condition. They were advised these must be thoroughly cleaned and maintained in a clean condition.

The condition of the chopping boards in the kitchen had deteriorated and could no longer be thoroughly cleaned/disinfected. They were instructed not to use the chopping boards and to remove from the premises.

The ice machine in the cellar was not clean. The machine was to be thoroughly cleaned internally to minimise any risk of contamination of food.

During the visit it was noted that the on-site Safer Food Better Business (SFBB) pack was unusable due to being water damaged. The SFBB is a practical food safety management pack developed by the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA). It is designed specifically to help small to medium-sized food businesses understand food hygiene regulations, comply with UK law, and achieve a high Food Hygiene Rating.

The pub was told it must write down simple details to make sure all food is safe to eat, including hot food temperatures, ensuring staff training records are up-to-date and that allergen metrics are accurate.

The Wheatsheaf was due to be revisited by Wyre Council’s food safety officers for a follow-up inspection in early September.

What did the pub say?

Following the July inspection, The Gazette approached the Wheatsheaf’s management for comment.

They declined to discuss the matter and said it had ‘explained everything’ on a local Facebook page where the pub’s hygiene rating was a topic of discussion.

In the post, they said: “Just to reassure you, the rating wasn't anything to do with the quality, cleanliness or hygiene of our food.

“It was based on paperwork that was damaged or missing during the refurbishment.

“We rectified everything straight away and applied for a re-inspection with the council, but we're still waiting for them to come back and carry out the revisit.

“We'd never compromise on food safety, and we're looking forward to the rating being updated once the re-inspection has taken place.”

The Wheatsheaf was again approached for comment prior to publication.