Southampton: The Broadway give one-out-of-five hygiene rating

The Broadway in Portswood has been given a one-out-of-five food hygiene rating following an inspection carried out by the council.

Evidence of rats, fruit flies in the kitchen, "foul-smelling water" in the sink, and "inadequate food hygiene awareness" among staff were just some of the issues highlighted in the report.

Inspectors found that "major improvement was necessary" at the bar on Portswood Road.

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A spokesperson from The Broadway confirmed that they voluntarily closed the bar for six days following the inspection to carry out "immediate remedial work".

"There has not been any traces of rodent activity since reopening," they said.

Inspectors said there was evidence of rat droppings in the washing-up area.

The droppings were found under the sink and under the stairs opposite the bar area.

Inspectors also noted that there were fruit flies hovering around the sink in the first-floor kitchen.

Inspectors said there was "foul-smelling" standing water left in the sink, which they suspect attracted the flies.

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They found that open jars filled with food, such as dried oranges for cocktails, were stored on the bar.

Inspectors said that no uncovered foods or soft packets of food should be stored in the premises because it is not adequately proofed against the entry of pests.

There was no working wash hand basin provided for food handlers working in the bar area.

Management was told to connect the wash hand basin to the drainage system and ensure that everyone understands that it is for hand washing only.

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Inspectors said that the level of food hygiene awareness among staff was "inadequately lacking".

The standard of cleaning of the bar and kitchen area was described as "generally poor".

Inspectors told management that a "thorough, deep-clean and disinfection" was needed.

The bar did not have any documented food safety management records in place at the time of the assessment.

The assessment was carried out on February 14.

Inspectors told management staff that they must take "reasonable precautions" to prevent pests from gaining entry into their storage and preparation areas. 

Any gaps or holes in doors, windows, pipes, or drains must be covered to minimise entry points for pests. 

The report noted that repairs were needed at the rear cellar door, the ceiling tiles around the pipes, a hole under the stairs, and holes in the flooring at the bar and washing-up area.