A barbecue restaurant has closed after just five months following a two-star hygiene rating and complaints of food running out on Mother’s Day.

DJB Smokehouse opened in the former Downtown Diner in Ashford town centre in November last year.

KentOnline reviewer Rhys Griffiths visited in February, and despite a few parts of the meal missing the mark, gave it a strong review overall.

But that same month, hygiene inspectors visited and found Yorkshire puddings stored in bin bags, and problems with the cooling and storing of meat.

The business has since been put on the market, with “health issues” listed as the reason for the sale. It has appeared on Zoopla but its sale price has not been disclosed.

On Mother’s Day, a Facebook post caused a stir when a customer warned residents: “if you’re planning on going, don’t”.

Sophie McGuinness said the business had run out of all food except chicken wings.

She wrote: “Anyone who has a booking for DJB Smokehouse or is planning on going today, don’t.

“They seated our pre-booked group and were taking drinks orders when another member of staff informed us they had completely run out of food except chicken wings.

“Not the best planning ahead for their company on Mother’s Day.”

Other visitors then revealed they had similar experiences at the venue, with Lauren Butcher commenting: “We walked out after 20 minutes of sitting as we hadn't even had our drinks order taken and could see that it wasn't going to be a good experience.

“It’s a shame, as I was really looking forward to it.”

Similarly, Michelle Kingsland said: “I also had a booking and was turned away as there was no food.

“It’s a joke.”

Elizabeth Keyes visited on a different day and was shocked to be served a bottle of Tesco prosecco for £30.

She added: “It was the worst dining experience ever.

“The girl who served us was alone, managing the whole place.

“She did her best, but never ever again.”

However, one mum - Alyson Horn - said she had a positive experience on Mother’s Day.

“Our booking was at 12pm,” she said.

“The food was amazing, and there were no issues with the service.”

The hygiene inspection was conducted on February 10.

At the visit, the inspector noted that poultry was not being monitored to ensure it reached the correct temperature while cooking.

He also witnessed food being cooled at room temperature, saying: “I observed three trays of chicken which had been cooked and were left at room temperature to cool.

“There was no control over cooling time.”

Meat was also found with no use by dates on, and a cling film wrapper was being used for raw and ready-to-eat foods.

Furthermore, Yorkshire puddings were being kept in black sacks in the freezer.

The inspector said: “All equipment that is used for food storage must be suitable for food contact.

“You must check the specification of storage containers you are using to ensure their suitability.”

At the time, DJB Smokehouse said: “We acknowledge the result of our recent food hygiene inspection and, while we were disappointed by the outcome, we appreciate the feedback provided.

“We take food safety and hygiene extremely seriously, and we have already implemented a number of improvements since the inspection took place.

“Regarding the issue of Yorkshire puddings being stored in black waste bags, we want to clarify that this was a temporary and isolated incident during a period of unexpected stock delivery delays.

“It was not in line with our standard operating procedures, and all staff have since undergone updated training to ensure this will not happen again.”

The improvements include a deep clean, revised food storage processes, a new kitchen manager and a fresh staff training program.

DJB Smokehouse did not respond to requests for comment about the closure.