Sportsman Restaurant's Hygiene Rating Falls to Two Stars

The Sportsman, a Michelin-starred gastropub in Seasalter, Kent, known for its celebrity patrons and accolades, has seen its food hygiene rating plummet from five to two stars following a February inspection by Canterbury City Council. Inspectors identified various issues, including mould and dirt in the walk-in and under-counter refrigerators, structural problems in the nearly 400-year-old building, and inadequate lighting in food preparation areas. Personal hygiene policy violations, such as staff eating in the kitchen and chefs wearing inappropriate attire, were also noted. Despite these findings, the gastropub maintains a satisfactory food safety management system. Site owner Shepherd Neame has taken immediate corrective actions and applied for a reinspection. The restaurant has been praised for its creative and accessible fine dining, having been recognized as one of the best by notable figures in the culinary world.