A drinking establishment in Caerleon Road, Ponthir has received a poor hygiene rating following a visit by inspectors while its cooking facilities were unavailable.

Ponthir House Inn was awarded a score of just one out of five under the national food safety programme. This represents a significant decline from its prior rating of five, which represents the top mark possible.

The venue’s owner, Stuart Field, explained that the assessment was carried out at a time when the establishment was only serving beverages because its gas supply had been disconnected due to outstanding payments left behind by previous occupants. Staff had asked for the inspection to be postponed until cooking equipment was operational again.

Field stated that his company manages numerous pubs across south Wales, most of which hold a five-star classification. He noted that the Ponthir House Inn premises were not in satisfactory condition when his company took over, and additionally the gas meter had been removed to settle debts owed by earlier tenants.

The proprietor advised that no food was being offered when environmental health officers arrived. He said the team was solely operating drink sales and working to get things under control while awaiting restoration of the gas supply. The manager requested that the officer return once all facilities were functioning, a suggestion the officer declined outright.

The Welsh food hygiene scoring system evaluates establishments on aspects including how food is handled, hygiene standards, the condition of the building, and food safety management practices. A score of one signifies that substantial improvement is required, though this does not indicate the business presents a danger to customers.

Following the inspection, Field reported that normal operations have resumed. He indicated the venue is now fully functioning and intends to request that environmental health officers revisit to reassess at his own expense. He emphasised that all his pubs maintain high standards of operation. He highlighted that the kitchen is currently open, the gas has been reconnected, and he is willing to cover the cost of a fresh inspection in an effort to recover the previous five-star rating.