A WARRINGTON pub has come out on top following a 'malicious' food hygiene inspection.

The Howley, off Parr Street, has fought off what it calls a 'malicious' inspection from Environmental Health officers.

Taking to social media, the pub explained that a member of the public had recently been in touch with the EHO team to report a concern.

Following this, the EHO team undertook an inspection at the pub, against the following Food Standards Agency criteria:

  • Hygienic food handling - Hygienic handling of food including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage.
  • Management of food safety - System or checks in place to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat, evidence that staff know about food safety, and the food safety officer has confidence that standards will be maintained in future.
  • Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building - Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building (including having appropriate layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control) to enable good food hygiene.

The Howley was last inspected in May last year, and was not due another inspection for some time.

However, following the complaint-triggered inspection, the pub's management team have confirmed that they have received another five-out-of-five hygiene rating.

Posting on social media, the management team lambasted the 'malicious' complaint.

The post reads: "Thank you [to] whoever tried to get us in trouble with the EHO just before the big darts match.

"We have now been checked out and our five-star hygiene rating carries on for another two years.

"The inspector says he can see the call is malicious as the pub is spotless.

"You may have been anonymous but I know who you are and you actually did us a favour.

"Oh, and you're still barred and will be for our entire five-year lease."