Popular Ludlow pub gets five-star food hygiene rating

The Squirrel in Foldgate Lane, Ludlow, is a family-friendly pub popular with locals and visitors alike.

Following a recent inspection on May 29, the pub’s staff have been celebrating as they have been awarded a five-star rating, the highest rating possible.

According to the report, the Squirrel has been classed as “good” in each of the three categories, hygienic food handling, cleanliness of facilities and management of food safety.

The pub’s general manager James Grant said: “This rating is a testament to the hard work of the team to ensure we maintain consistently high hygiene standards for our guests.

“The team works hard to ensure everyone feels welcome and relaxed which we hope will secure the Squirrel as a hub of the community for years to come.”

Mr Grant, 31, is originally from Newcastle and has worked in hospitality for 15 years. He has been at the Squirrel for two and a half years, having moved to Ludlow after three and a half years as manager of the Bluebell in Malvern.

During Mr Grant’s time as the manager, the team has received the community pub of the year award from Marston’s for their hard work raising money for local charities.

Every Wednesday, the Squirrel hosts a weekly quiz where donations go into a kitty for charity.

James Grant and the Squirrel team have fundraised for Ludlow Hospital (Image: League of Friends)

Recent donations include the Ludlow Hospital, which received £12,500 from the Squirrel for much-needed equipment and services, as well as a further £5,000 going to other charities including Ludlow Food Bank, and £1,000 to Hands Together Ludlow.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme requires all businesses selling food to display hygiene ratings in a prominent place. The ratings are also on the Food Standards Agency website.

Inspections are carried out by the local authority officers, and ratings go from zero to five, with five being the best.