A HISTORIC thatched pub in Dorset was “infested” with mice when an environmental health officer called after an anonymous tip-off in February last year.

A court heard that when the Purbeck District Council officer asked to see the kitchen at the Sailor’s Return in East Chaldon, temporary manager Kate Carr immediately admitted: “There is a mouse problem”

Tom Horder, prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court, described conditions in the kitchen as “filthy” and “unhygienic”.

Mr Horder stressed that the pub was now under new ownership, but at the time of the offences, it was being run by a Devon-based company called Pub Solutions South West Limited.

Barmaid Miss Carr had been put in charge until a new manager arrived and had served food to a visiting football team the evening before the inspection.

Pub Solutions admitted six breaches of food hygiene regulations. It was fined a total of £6,000 and ordered to pay £3,000 costs and a £15 victim surcharge. Miss Carr, 22, of West Lulworth admitted two breaches. She was fined £600 with £250 costs and a £15 surcharge.