A "serious" fly infestation, rotting food and dirty fridges were uncovered in a village pub kitchen by an inspector, who ordered urgent improvements.

The bosses of The Bell Inn, in St Nicholas-At-Wade, near Birchington, have shut the business to allow for a "complete renovation" of the cooking area following the shocking findings by Thanet District Council (TDC).

Concerns were raised by an environmental health officer (EHO) about "uncontrolled" houseflies seen in the food preparation areas and in food, which were uncovered and in use.

The inside of the main fridges at the traditional English pub were dirty with food debris and liquids - with old food in poor condition being stored in one of the unit's doors, which was starting to rot.

An inspector visited the boozer on August 10 and the report was obtained via a Freedom of Information request by KentOnline after TDC initially refused to share the findings.

The business was slapped with a hygiene rating of one, which is the second-lowest a food premises can be given by inspectors.

The report states: "At the time of inspection there is a serious fly infestation within the main kitchen.

"Flies were seen within the food preparation areas and within food items which were uncovered and in use. The flies were uncontrolled.

"An electric fly killer located away from the main prep areas was ineffective.

"There was a strip of fly paper located directly above the food prep / salad area which was full of dead flies and was no longer effective, posing a risk in itself of contaminating the food below.

"At the time of inspection, the fly screen at the rear door is very damaged and ineffective and the open window has no screen."

The inspector recommended the owners employed an "experienced pest control contractor" to carry out a survey of the kitchen to fix the issue.

They also found the extraction unit was not working efficiently which led to a "build-up of excess grease" in the kitchen, around the extraction unit hood and grease traps.

"There is also a build up of dirt and grease around wiring and electrical sockets," the inspector added.

They told the owners: "You have explained at the time of my visit the extraction unit is being removed and replaced with a new unit.

"You must ensure that in future you have a cleaning and maintenance schedule that includes the extraction unit, filters and hood so that it does not become dirty and greasy."

EHOs rate businesses between zero and five based on three areas: compliance with food hygiene and safety procedures, structural requirements and management or control procedures.

The Bell Inn was given a hygiene rating of one - a score shared by three other businesses in the Thanet district, according to the Food Standards Agency website.

Concerns were also raised about the storage of food at the pub.

"At the time of inspection, the inside of the main fridges are dirty with food debris and liquids, old food that is in poor condition was being stored in one of the fridge doors and was beginning to rot," the inspector added.

"Cheese was also spilling out of a plastic container pack. Seals were also dirty."

The inspector also recommended a date-labelling system and ensuring foods are disposed of as required, due to the kitchen being so busy and new staff being employed soon.

Although there was some documentation in place at the kitchen, the inspector deemed it "not sufficient to support the safe operation" of the kitchen.

And it was recommended the head chef should be provided with additional training to "match their level of responsibility" for food safety.

An inspector revisited the site on September 9 and found pest control work was being carried out.

A follow-up report said: "The operative in attendance believed there was potentially a dead rat or mouse in the cavity wall between the kitchen and adjoining wall.

"The kitchen now has fly screens fitted to all doors and windows and there are no signs of any flies in the kitchen.

"At the time of inspection there is a serious fly infestation within the main kitchen..."

"The kitchen was clean and tidy during my visit and being maintained to an acceptable standard."

An email seen by the inspector said work to the kitchen was due to start on September 26 and the pub would be shut for two weeks for a "complete renovation" for repairs to the kitchen.

It was found paperwork had been completed by the chef and was up-to-date.

Landlady of The Bell Inn, Sarah Falconer, told KentOnline the business is working with the EHO and making suggested improvements.

"The brewery are currently installing a brand new extraction system which is due to be completed this week," she said.

"We have since had a return visit and the EHO are pleased with the current standards.

"We are due another visit as soon as the work has been completed for a new hygiene rating."

A spokesman for TDC says The Bell Inn has not yet been re-rated but a compliance revisit has taken place.

"Issues have been actioned and rectified on site and a deep clean has been carried out," they said.

"The public protection team have been working with the food business operators to achieve compliance, and to continue to provide advice and guidance where required.

"Further structural works are due to take place at the premises and the kitchen will be closed whilst these are carried out.

"Once the works have been completed and we are satisfied that all of the issues have been fully resolved, we will carry out a further re-visit, and offer the opportunity to apply for a new food hygiene rating inspection."