St Elizabeth's House hygiene rating sparks concern

It’s funny how sometimes the places we think are shining examples can have a little hiccup, isn't it? Take St Elizabeth's House, for instance. This Plympton hotel, which we hear is a favorite spot for none other than Peter Andre – a celebrity endorsement that surely counts for something – has recently found itself in the spotlight for a less-than-ideal reason. According to reports, the Food Standards Agency’s inspection in May revealed that the hotel needs to step up its game when it comes to food hygiene. They’ve been handed a two-star rating, meaning "improvement necessary" in key areas like cleanliness and the condition of their facilities and building.

Now, it’s worth noting that the hotel did score well for hygienic food handling and the management of food safety, which is certainly good news. The general manager, Duncan Murray, explained that the new ownership took over in January and that they were not fully aware of prior issues. He mentioned that a new chef is now on board, and they are actively working towards getting that rating improved, with plans for another inspection soon. St Elizabeth's House itself sounds quite charming – a 17th-century Georgian country house set on 5.5 acres, just a short drive from the heart of Plymouth, and known as one of Devon's finest boutique establishments. It’s a place that has clearly made a positive impression on guests, even Peter Andre, who apparently had such a wonderful stay he called back.

This situation reminds us that even well-regarded places are subject to scrutiny, and that maintaining high standards across the board is an ongoing effort. It also highlights the importance of transparency and swift action when issues arise. We’re all rooting for St Elizabeth's House to get back on track, especially given its reputation and history. It makes you wonder what other local spots we might be overlooking that are also striving for excellence.