Surrey pub with 'amazing' and 'delicious food' goes from one star hygiene rating to four
A "amazing" pub with "delicious food" that customers love has been awarded a four star hygiene rating, after being hit with a one star rating in August, 2024. Staff at The George and Dragon in Thames Ditton have worked hard to raise the bar, after being dealt the blow last summer.
The most recent hygiene report, dating January 7, 2025, suggests the premises has undergone significant changes to prevent cross contamination, and ensure official procedures are followed. Food temperatures were being recorded and the facilities were being well kept.
Regular hand washing with soap was observed by the inspector, stated the report seen by SurreyLive, and food preparation areas were being regularly sanitised in between cooking. Dishes containing allergens were being made first to prevent cross contamination of potentially harmful ingredients.
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The cellar is being cleaned weekly, along with the ice bucket in the bar and the scoop. There were no pests recorded on site. Overall, the site was noted to be clean and tidy throughout, and was praised for it's allergen matrix, which tracks all the allergens in food produced.
It was recommended that due diligence readings need to be recorded and stored. Staff were advised to make sure this was done regularly as per the law.
Some staff members may be required to undertake further training if they are handling high risk food. Staff are trained to the basic food safety standard of 1992, and a select few have a Level 2 Food Hygiene, however it appears everyone will be required to take a free course on the Food Standards Agency website.
Reacting to the news of the pub being awarded a four star hygiene rating, a spokesperson told SurreyLive: "We had a further walk-in inspection with a four star result which of course we pleased about having put a lot of effort in to reach our goals. As is always required in hospitality we continue to work towards the five stars we would aspire to, so there are a few minor improvements we are addressing to get there."
It appears the pub, part of the Black Dog Pub Company, has always had a decent amount of happy customers. Despite receiving the one star hygiene rating, customers were not put off by visiting for a bite to eat. One customer recently wrote via Google: "Amazing Sunday lunch with HUGE portions and really good value for money – absolutely delicious! Really nice neighbourhood pub with a warm atmosphere and friendly staff. Highly recommend."
Another wrote: "We went to the George and Dragon last night and had a lovely dining experience. We were greeted by friendly and attentive staff who had good knowledge of the drinks and ordering process.
"We then proceeded to the garden which is well kept and a really nice space for outdoor dining and watching sport. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming this was helped by how polite and helpful the staff where.
"The food arrived in good timing and we where all pleasantly surprised at how large the portions are. We each had a burger and thoroughly enjoyed them! The beef burger was tender and super flavourful and the chips where crispy and fresh! Overall I would highly recommend this pub and hope to return in the future. 10/10."
The pub has a number of events to get stuck in with this year. There will be a set Valentines Day menu, with two courses for £28 or three for £35, including a glass of prosecco.
Dishes include a cheese and chive souffle or green pea soup starter, and for mains there is an oven roasted pheasant with baked pumpkin and duchess potatoes. Or there is a spinach and ricotta ravioli in creamy tomato sauce, desserts include chocolate fondant with fresh strawberries or raspberry panna cotta with coulis and mini meringues.
Quiz night is held every Tuesday at The George and Dragon from 8pm. There is also a comedy night on Thursday, February 8 at 8pm.