A well-known Michelin star pub in Kent, once celebrated as the best pub in the UK, has recently been handed a two-star food hygiene rating.
The Sportsman, located in Seasalter, has gained a stellar reputation over the years, but health inspectors uncovered several issues in its kitchen that led to the less-than-ideal rating.
Inspection Reveals Multiple Hygiene Issues
During the inspection, which took place in February 2025, the health inspector discovered several hygiene concerns that raised alarms.
Among the most troubling findings were the presence of “dirt and mould on the ceiling” in the walk-in refrigerator and pickled cucumber stored in a “heavily stained jug.”
These issues, along with others, prompted the poor rating from Canterbury City Council (CCC) inspectors.
Despite its previous accolades, including a Michelin star in 2008 and being named the best pub in the UK in 2015, the pub’s reputation has taken a hit following this inspection.
The Harris brothers, Stephen and Phil, who have owned the pub since 1999, are now facing scrutiny over these recent findings.
Issues with Hygiene and Structural Integrity
The inspector’s report highlighted more than just cleanliness concerns.
Mould was also found inside a door within an under-counter refrigerator.
Personal hygiene practices were also questioned, with a staff member observed eating in the kitchen and others wearing cloths over their shoulders while preparing food.
Structural issues in the building, which is nearly 400 years old, were also identified.
These included worn lino flooring, damage to skirting boards, rusting rubber coatings in the fridges, and insufficient lighting in key areas.
Perhaps most concerning was the discovery of gaps that could allow pests to enter the premises.
While no pests were found during the inspection, the inspector recommended that the pub take further action to prevent future infestations.
Attempts to Address the Issues
In response to the inspection, Shepherd Neame, the pub’s owner, confirmed that immediate steps had been taken to address the identified issues.
The team has already applied for a reinspection, which is set to take place in the coming weeks.
Shepherd Neame’s director of tenanted pub operations, Greg Wallis, expressed confidence that the pub would receive a significantly higher rating after the next inspection.
The Sportsman’s Reputation and Popularity
Despite these setbacks, The Sportsman remains a popular destination for food lovers and celebrities alike.
The gastropub has made a name for itself by offering a menu focused on locally-sourced ingredients, including fish and seafood from the Thames Estuary and meats from nearby farms.
Notable guests who have dined there include Gary Lineker, Paul Hollywood, and Amanda Holden.
The pub also offers a variety of dishes, including pickled herrings with white cabbage salad and poached rock oysters, complemented by pickled cucumber and avruga caviar.
The restaurant’s five-course tasting menu costs £85 per person, while the three-course midweek menu is priced at £55.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Despite the setback, The Sportsman is determined to restore its reputation.
The team has already begun taking corrective actions to ensure that the kitchen and other areas meet the high standards expected of a Michelin star venue.
As the reinspection approaches, both the Harris brothers and Shepherd Neame are optimistic that the pub will regain its standing in the food hygiene rankings.
