The historic Battleaxes pub in Wraxall, North Somerset has been given a clean bill of health and a four-star hygiene rating by inspectors following work by new owners.

A new food safety system has been introduced by the Country Pub Group, which took over the Battleaxes last year, and improvements made to paintwork in the pot wash area of the kitchens.

Matthew Lowe of the Country Pub Group said: “Since we moved in and carried out the improvements and changes to the regime the rating has been raised up to four stars.

“We have been told that if we had 12 months of management records it would be five star, so we expect to get the highest rating once we have been in the pub a year.”

Country Pub Group had just taken over the building, which dates from the 1860s, when inspectors downgraded the kitchen last year. As well as the work to improve the standards in the kitchen area  staff have undergone training on the latest methods of dealing with food allergens.

Said Matthew Lowe: “We worked closely with the Environmental Health Officers from North Somerset Council. The great thing about old country pubs is the quirky nature of the historic buildings, but that always presents challenges in the kitchen area.

“We are pleased that the hard work and dedication of the team at The Battleaxes has brought a positive result. We are now concentrating on providing a great venue for people to gather with their friends and families to relax and enjoy a meal and a drink. It is one of the biggest pubs in the area and we aim to cater for larger family groups as well as intimate dinners for two.”