COUNCIL-run Weymouth Pavilion has been given one of the lowest food standards ratings in the borough council area.

And the inspection was carried out by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s own environmental health inspectors.

It comes after a string of bad news for the Pavilion over the past few months with it becoming a victim of council cost-cutting measures.

The historic Weymouth venue was recently given a reprieve when councillors voted to allow the community to come up with a viable proposal to run the theatre.

Meanwhile, the Food Standards Agency has published the result of the borough council’s food and hygiene inspection for the Pavilion.

To see the rating click here

The Green Room Bar and function room received the lowest rating of one out of five which means that ‘major improvement is necessary’.

However, earlier in the year the downstairs coffee shop/cafe called the Ritz cafe received the highest possible rating of five.

Kate Hindson, director of communities at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “There have been two food hygiene inspections at Weymouth Pavilion over the last year.

“When inspected in November both the Green Room bar and function room kitchen had failings in stock control, cleanliness and maintenance.

“Urgent works were undertaken to address the issues. Environmental health officers re-inspected the premises a couple of days later and agreed all work was completed to a satisfactory standard.

“A further inspection will be carried out this month and we are confident that the improvement in standards will warrant a much higher rating.”

However she added: “The Ritz Cafe scored the highest mark possible for food hygiene standards, scoring a ‘five’ in April.”

Only four other establishments scored such a low rating last year (see panel) after being inspected on food and hygiene.

The borough council only joined the FSA rating scheme last year so that business hygiene levels could be transparent in time for the Olympic tourist season.

To view the ratings of all Weymouth establishments visit ratings.food.gov.uk PANEL - what the food inspectors are checking.

The food safety officer inspecting a business checks how well the business is meeting the law by looking at:

1. How hygienically the food is handled - how it is prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and stored

2. The condition of the structure of the buildings - the cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and other facilities

3. How the business manages and records what it does to make sure food is safe

 

PANEL - Businesses that received a rating of 1 (Major Improvement Necessary) in Weymouth, Dorchester and surrounding area

  • Peking Town takeaway, 61 The Esplanade, Weymouth - inspection carried out 30 April 2012
  • Po Sun takeaway, 61 Park Street, Weymouth - inspection carried out 18 April 2012
  • Quickfast, 7 Wyvern Buildings, Grove Trading Estate, Dorchester - inspection carried out 30 August 2012 
  • Value House Stores, Mandeville Road, Wyke Regis - inspection carried out 2 November 2012
  • The Pavilion Complex, The Esplanade, Weymouth - inspection carried out 13 November 2012

To see the rating click here

Our review

THE Dorset Echo went to The Green Room Cafe in the Pavilion to experience the food first-hand.

How many people actually check out the FSA ratings of restaurants before they dine?

However welcoming front of house may be who knows what is happening in the kitchens and store rooms out back?

The Green Room at Weymouth Pavilion managed just one out of five in its latest inspection and was ordered to carry out immediate improvements.

But on our visit first impressions were good.

The venue offers stunning views across Weymouth Bay and inside the decor was slightly dated but clean and comfortable.

A fellow customer added to the atmosphere with an impromptu jazz performance on the grand piano in the corner.

There was a wide selection on the menu, with local seafood specials and Sunday roasts also on offer.

I ordered an 'Italian Job' warm ciabatta sandwich filled with pan-fried peppers, onions, olives and tomatoes topped with mozzarella for £6.

My lunch arrived in good time and was nicely presented on the plate.

The sandwich was brimming with grilled vegetables and loaded with melted cheese.

It was accompanied by a generous portion of fresh green salad.

Everything tasted really good and was very filling.

The staff at the restaurant were friendly and the service was quick.

Tell us what you think?

Are you worried about the FSA rating of your favourite establishments? Do you regulary eat att he Pavilion? We want to hear your opinion so let us know below