The Jackson Stops Inn in Stretton, Rutland regains 5-star rating from Food Standards Agency

A family run pub has regained its five-star food hygiene status.

The Jackson Stops inn in Stretton was told ‘improvement was necessary’ after a visit by food hygiene inspectors in March who gave the business a two-star rating.

This was a shock for pub owner, Robert Knowles, who had never received anything other than a five-star rating in his 35 years of being a chef.

He held his hands up for not being aware of new rules under the Food Standards Agency’s ‘safe food, better business’ guidelines and for getting answers wrong while being asked questions in the middle of a busy service.

However, he doesn’t believe that at any point the food wasn’t safe.

Eager to get back to the five-star rating Robert made all of the changes suggested within a week and booked in for a re-inspection.

Now the business is back to five-stars.

Robert said: “I am absolutely delighted.

“I took it very personally when the rating was dropped.”

Despite the initial disappointment Robert is looking at the positives.

He said: “It is easy to sit there and say the inspector was wrong – it did seem a very harsh rating.

“We have lost a few bookings because of it but it has launched us back into the proper legislation and paperwork.

“It will be a lot easier to stay on top of it.

“When you are running the front and cooking everyday it is easy to get immersed trying your hardest for your customers.”

He added that he has been overwhelmed with support by regular customers.

The Jackson Stops was listed in the AA Pick of the Pubs and Trip Advisor's Traveller's Choice Award this year. It was also Michelin recommended four years in a row and plaque awarded for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.