An “exceptional” village pub near Darlington has been handed a two-star food hygiene rating.

The Tuns at Sadberge has been told that improvement is necessary after inspectors visited the Hillhouse Lane gastro pub on September 6. 

Food safety officers rated the hygienic food handling at the site - which includes food preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling, and storage - as “improvement necessary”. 

However, the cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building and the management of food safety at the site were both ranked “generally satisfactory”. 

The Northern Echo understands that the venue is now awaiting a revisit, with the issues found during the inspection being in a room with the pizza oven, which is not currently in use. 

The popular pub - which is believed to have been taken over in April - most recently boasted a five-star food hygiene rating, which it was given following an inspection back in March.

With a 4.6 star rating on Google, The Tuns is highly praised for its “amazing top quality” Sunday lunches, “very good” atmosphere, and “efficient, friendly, and attentive” staff. 

One happy reviewer said earlier this year: “Warm and friendly staff. Great service. The food was delicious and [there was] a great choice for Sunday lunch. [It was] exceptional value too - only £23 for three courses.”

The Tuns at Sadberge was sold by previous owner Ross Serino back in 2022 following the death of his father Vince, who was known for running the successful Yarm restaurant Santoro’s. 

Mr Serino had transformed the derelict and boarded-up venue when he bought it eight years prior - and turned it into a thriving business.

The Tuns reopened under new management following a refurbishment at the end of July 2022.

However, the venue changed hands once again in April this year, after the previous team announced it was moving on in an emotional statement. 

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It said: "The Tuns and its amazing team will always have a special place in our hearts and we wish the new management every success and hope they carry on the legacy of this majestic building."

The venue then opened bookings under its new management from April 26.

The Northern Echo has contacted Darlington Council for the full food hygiene report.