An Isle of Wight garden centre, which runs a popular Christmas attraction, has said it is both 'devastated' and 'amazed' after its restaurant received a shock hygiene rating.

Following an inspection on October 16, Busy Bee's Olive Tree Restaurant was handed a one star rating — a downgrade from its previous five star.

During their visit to the Ryde business, inspectors from the Isle of Wight Council's Environmental Health Service found wrapped raw turkey being stored next to boxes of cakes in the freezer, prompting fears of cross-contamination.

The general standard of hygiene also needed attention, a report said.

Extraction filters were dirty and the downstairs Polar fridge seals had mould on.

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Daily checks had also not been completed since September 16, inspectors noted.

Cloths and a tea towel were also being cleaned in the washing machine at 60C, when they should have been washed on a cycle that achieves 82C or higher.

According to the report, splits were found in fridge seals and a walk-in freezer was frosted up with ice falling onto food stored on shelfing/floor inside the freezer.

The outside of the freezer also had a water leak from ice melting onto the entrance area.

Various areas of the main kitchen floor and pizza area floor were damaged and split, the report added, "hindering effective cleaning" and creating the potential for trapped dirt and food particles.

Busy Bee Garden Centre, Ryde, where the Olive Tree Restaurant is basedBusy Bee Garden Centre, Ryde, where the Olive Tree Restaurant is based (Image: IWCP)

In a statement, Busy Bee sought to assure customers the quality of food served in its restaurant 'remains the same'.

A spokesperson said: "The owners and staff are not only devastated but amazed by this rating as so much care and attention goes into every meal that is served, and it needs to be well noted that there are no findings of fault in this area.

"Yes, there were gaps in the vinyl flooring, the washing machine was only running at 60 degrees, unopened boxes had been left on the floor of the deep freeze, the seals on some of the fridges were cracked and regular records of inspection were deficient.

"But does this warrant such a massive downgrade and the stigma attached to such?

"All of these points have been addressed and we will be applying for another inspection."