The Half Moon Inn given second zero hygiene score in a year

The Half Moon Inn, on Valentines Hill in Northchapel, Petworth, was given a zero out of five score following an inspection on July 2, the Food Standards Agency website shows.

A zero is the lowest score that can be awarded to an establishment and signifies "urgent improvement" is necessary.

The latest rating comes on top of a previous zero-star score which was given to the pub in September last year. 

The venue was subsequently awarded a four-star rating, meaning "good", in March, but has now received the lowest score again.

In the latest examination, food hygiene inspectors found major improvement to be necessary in all three categories assessed.

This includes hygienic food handling, encompassing the preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling, and storage of food. 

Major improvement was also found to be necessary in the cleanliness and condition of the facilities, including appropriate layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities, and pest control. 

The pub was additionally found wanting in its management of food safety, which covers having system or checks in place to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat and evidence that staff know about food safety.

Food businesses in England do not have to display their food hygiene ratings by law, although they are encouraged to do so.

Following assessments, hygiene officers can provide advice and guidance to establishments when improvement is necessary and can even close them down completely until deemed safe to reopen.

The latest rating comes despite the Half Moon's enduring popularity with punters.

It currently holds a 4.4 star rating out of 5 on Google, from a total of 153 reviews.

In a recent five star review, Sarah Marsh described the venue as a "cute little pub" and a "breath of fresh air" from chains.

The Half Moon Inn has been approached for comment.