A FOUR-STAR hotel which is a popular wedding venue has had its top hygiene rating reinstated following a “difficult” period.

As previously reported in the Gazette, Oakley Hall Hotel was given a one out of five for hygiene following an inspection on March 18.

Inspectors found out of date food and a rat issue in the cellar.

A spokesman for the hotel spoke of his frustration at having to wait three months for a re-inspection, which is the policy of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, as advised by the Food Standards Agency.

The hotel was later re-inspected in July and given a four for hygiene, which the spokesman said was the highest rating it could achieve, due to council policy, adding: “We are looking forward to our next inspection and feel confident that we will regain our five-star rating. Apart from this unfortunate and short lapse, this is something we are proud to have enjoyed for some 15 years of trading.”

Oakley Hall has now had its five-star hygiene rating reinstated following an inspection on September 25.

Inspectors found hygienic handling of food, cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building, and management of food safety all to be ‘good’.

A spokesman for the hotel previously told the Gazette that the low hygiene rating was a “difficult experience for everyone, including the very dedicated staff and management of the hotel”.

He declined to comment on the current inspection.