The Whipper-In Hotel in Oakham, soon to be The George Inn, given 1-star food hygiene rating amid multi-million pound refurbishment

A hotel which is undergoing a multi-million redevelopment has received a 1-star food hygiene rating.

The Whipper-In Hotel in Oakham was told ‘major improvement is necessary’ after a visit by a food hygiene inspector in December who gave the business a one-star rating.

While hygienic food handling and management of food safety were found to be generally satisfactory, cleanliness and condition of facilities were found to need major improvement, according to a report published earlier this month.

Ryck Turner, owner of The Whipper-In, said: “This rating came as a result of some minor issues related to the ongoing restoration work taking place at the venue.

“The remedial action required was minimal and completed within just a few days.

“I would like to assure people that we have extremely high standards, including when it comes to food handling, food safety and general hygiene.

“We are expecting a reinspection imminently, and are confident that this will result in a good or very good rating.”

The 17th Century hotel in Market Place is undergoing a £2 million refurbishment, and has been closed for the past two weeks ahead of reopening with new signage on Thursday (February 1).

The 18-bedroom hotel will be renamed The George Inn, a nod to its former name, The George Hotel, and Ryck’s admiration for its Stamford counterpart.

His vision includes creating a new restaurant to replace the current dining room, and doubling the size of the kitchen.

He also plans to convert the coach house at the back into a unit with bedrooms, a 15-seater private cinema, a gym and spa.