A FOUR-STAR hotel which is a popular wedding venue has been graded as one out of five for its food hygiene.

Oakley Hall Hotel was inspected on March 18 and a food safety officer found improvements were needed in the hygienic handling of food, and cleanliness and condition of the building, while major improvements were needed for the management of food safety.

However, the full hygiene report which would provide further details as to what was found during the inspection has not been released by the council because the restaurant is “the subject of an ongoing legal investigation”.

The hotel has criticised Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for forcing businesses to keep their hygiene score for three months.

A spokesman for Oakley Hall said: “We were extremely disappointed with the conclusion of the report and we have worked efficiently and collaboratively to promptly rectify all the areas of concern within 24 hours.

“Following a further inspection, the agency are completely satisfied that all concerns raised were dealt with immediately and is subsequently expected that they will reinstate Oakley Hall with their excellent rating. It is regretful that, unlike other councils, Basingstoke council can only carry out a re-score after a ‘standstill’ period of three months.”

He also pointed out that Oakley Hall has been inspected routinely for more than 15 years and found to be “compliant” for hygiene, adding: “We would also like to stress that food safety, hygiene and cleanliness in our hotel is and remains paramount to our daily work.”