A STOURPORT pub which is popular for its food is celebrating after being awarded a five-star food hygiene rating.

The Old Rose And Crown on Worcester Road was visited by inspectors on Tuesday (April 16) and has been handed the top rating.

Manager Nick Mann, who has been at the pub for five years, was on a day off when the inspectors turned up for their surprise visit.

He said he made a "rapid retreat" back to the pub and was delighted when he found out it had kept its five-star rating.

Kidderminster Shuttle: The pub has taken over its food operation from Marston'sThe pub has taken over its food operation from Marston's (Image: Handout and Google)

The pub took over its food operation from Marston's in January and has gone from strength to strength since.

Kidderminster Shuttle: It serves Sunday dinners It serves Sunday dinners (Image: Handout)

Nick, aged 56, said: "It's traditional pub food such as burgers, hand-battered fish and chips and Sunday lunches - it's been really popular.

"It's fantastic.

"Our sales have increased dramatically since we started doing our own food, which is great."

Kidderminster Shuttle: One of the delicious dishes on offer at the pub One of the delicious dishes on offer at the pub (Image: Handout)

The pub announced the news of its five star rating on social media, with one commentator saying: "Fantastic, wouldn't have given you any less, meals are amazing we travel 45 minutes to come for a meal at yours."

Another said: "Place is on the up and up, well done all, super value."

Kidderminster Shuttle: Nick said the pub's delicious food is drawing more and more people in Nick said the pub's delicious food is drawing more and more people in (Image: Handout)

Hygiene ratings are published on the Food Standards Agency’s website which rates businesses from zero to five so customers can make more informed choices about where to buy and eat food.

A rating of five means hygiene standards are very good, four means hygiene standards are good, three means hygiene standards are generally satisfactory, two means some improvement is necessary, a rating of one means major improvement is necessary and a rating of zero means urgent improvement is required.

The pub serves food from noon - 8pm Monday to Saturday and from noon till 4pm on Sundays.