A boutique hotel owned by rock guitarist Eric Clapton has received a one-star food hygiene rating.
Burythorpe House in North Yorkshire was given the lowest possible score following a visit from inspectors on July 7, meaning ‘major improvement’ is required.
The inspection of the four-star hotel near Malton – which has 14 bedrooms and a restaurant – found its food safety management required ‘major improvement’.
Officials also said food handling required improvement, although the hotel’s cleanliness and condition was deemed to be ‘generally satisfactory’.
Alison Gaskell, the hotel’s general manager, said most of the necessary changes were implemented with ‘immediate’ effect.
‘As a dedicated and diligent manager I was, of course, initially very upset after the initial inspection,’ she said.
‘Following our last inspection, we were given advisory notice of work that should be completed, in particular the floor and the storage cupboards, although the majority of this was completed in time.
‘Unfortunately, we could not get the required tradesmen that we needed for such a large area, times passed and I admittedly let too much time slip.’
Guitarist Eric Clapton purchased the building, which dates back to the 18th century, in 2013
Clapton's hotel, Burythorpe House, received a one-star food hygiene rating on July 7
The hotel located near Malton in North Yorkshire required 'major improvement'
Ms Gaskell said the required work had now been carried out ahead of another food hygiene inspection next week.
‘After our initial disappointment we are feeling extremely positive now all outstanding work has been completed and are very much looking forward to our re-inspection and hopefully restoring our previous rating of four, or even better, the maximum score of five.
She added: ‘The EHO (Environmental Health Office) have been extremely supportive and both my head chef and I feel extremely grateful for the input and guidance they have provided, hospitality is very challenging right now and it is important to ensure we continue to learn and improve.’
Mr Clapton, best known for his solo career and time as guitarist in the Sixties supergroup Cream, bought the hotel, which dates back to the 18th century, in 2013.
Burythorpe House offers bed and breakfast accommodation and can host events ranging from weddings with up to 150 guests to shooting parties.
Despite the one-star food hygiene rating, the hotel has 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor from more than 750 reviews and a rating of 4.7 on Google.
Eric Clapton has been approached for comment.