The Champion pub in Norwich gets one star for food hygiene

The Champion, in Chapelfield Road, is facing enforcement action after Norwich City Council food inspectors found several issues when inspecting the pub on January 26.

Despite food hygiene standards being rated highly, there were major issues with cleanliness and safety listed as needing "urgent attention".

One star is described as meaning that "major improvement is necessary".

The report states that "food safety management was not written down" and that the pub already had "a varying track record".

The food inspector found there was major non-compliance with legal requirements at the pub (Image: Archant Archives)

It also said food maintenance was poor and the venue's daily diary - part of the Safe Food Better Business (SFBB) pack, provided by the Food Standards Agency - had not been updated since June 2023 and was "very disorganised".

There was no written evidence that it was "following any of the safe methods or procedures" such as four-weekly checks, maintenance and training records.

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Issues with mould on the walls in the cellar, which had been raised at the previous inspection, had still not been treated.

Dirty ceilings, walls and joints behind the sinks were also reported by the inspector.

The pub is likely to receive formal enforcement action amid a revisit (Image: Archant Archives)

The risk of water from wet hands falling or splashing on to food preparation surfaces and dirty fridge freezer seals was also highlighted.

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Surfaces such as the floor, coving, paintwork and silicon sealant had not been suitably maintained and are said to need repair or replacement as soon as possible.

This newspaper contacted the manager of The Champion, who declined to comment on the matter.

The pub is named after bare-knuckle boxer, Daniel Mendosa, who visited Norwich in 1790.

The small venue's menu boasts options including sandwiches, burgers, jacket potatoes, chips salads, chilli and a vegetarian curry.