Reasons for sudden closure of Bristol Toby Carvery revealed

The reasons for a sudden temporary closure of a Bristol Toby Carvery have been revealed, following publication of a food hygiene report.       

The report, obtained by BristolWorld via a Freedom of Information request, says Toby Carvery Maes Knoll on Bristol Road in Whitchurch Village made the decision to voluntarily close following an inspection on October 30.              

The inspector found evidence of mouse activity present in all customer areas, including droppings under most seating areas and on a table.   

Mitchells & Butlers, which owns Toby Carvery, said it takes the report 'extremely seriously' and that it has since resolved the issues.       

The pub and restaurant received a 'major improvement necessary' rating following the inspection, which saw it close for a number of days before reopening.  

At the time, Mitchells & Butlers said it was closed for ‘health and safety checks’, but the food hygiene report now reveals why the checks were needed.  

The report, carried out by Bath and North East Somerset Council, said immediate action was needed following the inspection.     

“Evidence of mouse activity still present in all customer areas, advice to deep clean the premises to allow for effective monitoring has not been achieved to the required standards,” it read.  

“Droppings found under the vast majority of seating areas and one dropping located on a customer table.” 

The inspection appears to have followed another inspection the previous week.    

The report continued: “Some pest proofing required internally – areas that could not be accessed during last week’s inspection were observed today, these are numerous areas where small rodents have access to the cavity walls/under flooring.  

“Staff training on pest identification/management requires refreshing – some obvious concerns that staff failed to address need to be looked at and staff trained to manage these issues appropriately.”   

The inspector concluded: “The business has made the decision to voluntarily close without the need for prompting by myself.    

“I will be liaising with the business to ensure the concerns/risks are managed prior to reopening”.  

In response to the report, a Mitchells & Butlers spokesperson told BristolWorld: "We pride ourselves on our high standards and we take the findings of food and hygiene reports extremely seriously.    

“The health and well-being of our customers and staff remains our primary concern. 

“We have worked with the support from EHO (environmental health officers) to implement numerous changes at the property and are confident our hygiene standards are of the highest order, and that the issues evidenced three months ago have now been fully resolved."