A DRAMATIC downturn in standards at a riverside pub in Oxford has seen it go from a top hygiene rating to the lowest score possible.

Isis Farmhouse, which prides itself on hosting ‘amazing live music’ and having ‘unrivalled views’, was given zero stars when inspectors from Oxford City Council’s health team visited last month.

The pub was rated low in all three categories used to assess businesses, with food hygiene and safety branded ‘poor’, ‘little’ confidence in management and it was found to be ‘bad’ for its structural compliance – the cleanliness and condition of the building.

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Located near Iffley Lock along the River Thames towpath, the pub regularly hosts music events, with Oxford Psychedelic Society’s Oddball Festival taking place at the pub in June.

Adrian Burns, joint owner of Isis Farmhouse, said: "Unfortunately, our recent visit took place when we had a temporary chef working on his own who was unaware of where our records are kept.

He added: "The rating is confusing given that there have been no complaints of food poisoning, and the inspector confirmed there was no evidence of pest entry.

"The request for urgent improvement relates largely to the infrastructure that was in place when we received our five-star award two years ago.

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"However, we are working through each of the recommendations and are confident of regaining our usual five-star rating when the works are complete."

Opinion is divided on website Tripadvisor, with almost as many five-star reviews as one-star ones.

A disappointed customer last week wrote: “Such a beautiful location with loads of outdoor seating however when entering the building your first impressions of a quirky pub on closer inspection just show a dirty place with untrained staff and very disorganised.

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“Waited 20 minutes just to get a drink and had plenty of time to watch the poor hygiene going on.”

Another added: “Isis Farmhouse is a lovely setting - by the river with trees and grass and babies tumbling about. Sadly, in July 2019, it is not living up to where it is in terms of hygiene, or value for money.

"The table and all round it were filthy, as was the toilet. The waiter thought that cleaning a table could be done by smearing the grease and dust around a bit with a napkin.”

However, a recent visitor was more positive describing the pub as a ‘wonderful venue’ for weddings, adding: “During dry ,sunny weather the grounds are also excellent and very extensive. It is such a very beautiful area.

"The owners are very friendly and welcoming.”