THE hospitality industry is facing an existential crisis, according to the British Beer and Pub Association, after pubs, clubs, bars and cafés were told to shut up shop earlier this month amid the coronavirus outbreak.

But for one historic Hampshire pub, there was a glimmer of good news amongst the doom and gloom.

The George Inn, in Vernham Dean, recently completed a remarkable turnaround as it was awarded top marks by hygiene inspectors.

The pub’s hygienic food handling, the cleanliness of its facilities and its management of food safety were all rated as ‘very good’.

It comes after the 17th century pub received a one-star rating during its last inspection 12 months ago, but landlord Reece Garner explains that this was largely due to paperwork and the use of local ‘unstamped’ eggs.

“We had a new kitchen manager come in and she’s sorted all the paperwork, because that was a bit part of it,” he said.

“It was mainly paperwork, and they didn’t like the fact that we were buying all local products. They didn’t like me taking eggs from the village because they didn’t have a red lion stamp on them.”

But hygiene inspectors now deem the establishment to be worthy of full marks following a visit on March 6.

Not that residents are able to enjoy the fruits of the staff’s labour, though. The pub is currently closed, per government advice, however it is still working hard to help the community throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Reece said: “For people that can’t get out, that are either poorly or elderly, we are offering soup and a hot meal a day to anyone in the village and surrounding area, just to get them through until it’s over.”

The pub was also previously offering a delivery and takeaway service but doing so meant that government aid would not be available to the pub and its staff. It has therefore since closed completely to ensure that employees will continue to receive salaries.

“I’ve got to look after my staff,” said Reece. “They’ve got mortgages, they’ve got rent, and I owe it to them. Especially after getting our stars back up and getting back on track.”

Reece is one of many landlords across the country facing the prospect of a summer without any custom – a period that tends to be a pub’s most prosperous time.

“If this goes on for months, they’re your real money making months,” added Reece.

“So it is a worry, but what can you do? It’s out of our hands.

“We’ll just be here when it all stops.”

For more information about the free soups and hot meals for vulnerable residents, contact the pub on 01264 737279.