Kenilworth's oldest pub has received its first ever five-star food hygiene rating, just a few months after being taken over by new owners.

Tom and Sammy Durnion took over at the Virgins & Castle in January, adding to their existing pub - the Newdigate Arms in Bedworth.

The husband and wife team have made a number of changes at the High Street pub, and said they have invested heavily in bringing the pub back up to scratch.

And following a visit from the Food Standards Agency, the inn has been given top marks for its hygiene for the first time in its 460-year history.

New offers have also been launched at the Virgins & Castle (image by James Smith)

"For the first time in its history the Virgins & Castle has achieved a five-star food hygiene rating," the couple said on social media.

"Since taking on the Virgins & Castle in January we have invested a lot of time and effort in endless amounts of cleaning, replacing equipment and training a new team to bring the V's back to life.

"We're incredibly grateful for all their hard work.

advertisement

"This is just the beginning, our hard work and determination doesn't stop here.

"Please keep an eye on our socials for more to come this year."

Tom and Sammy Durnion also run the Newdigate Arms in Bedworth (image via Greene King)

The Virgins scored highly in all three FSA categories following the inspection - hygienic food handling, cleanliness and condition of facilities and building and management of food safety.

When Tom and Sammy took over, the pub had a two-star rating.

Speaking to Nub News after taking over the Virgins, father-of-one Tom told Nub News: "We are trying to strip everything back. We want to make this a pub first that can stand on its own feet.

"This has always historically been a big drinking pub that also does food. 

"That is where I want to take it back to. 

advertisement

The V&C's had a two-star rating when Tom and Sammy took over (image supplied)

"A pub like this, money cannot buy, and it will never be built again. 

"It is completely priceless and somewhere like this you need to serve good quality beer and a nice meal if people want it. 

"We're a pub that serves food, and that's how we want it to be. 

"And I don't think this pub has ever exploited its midweek potential, so we want to have a real go at that."

To find out more, head to the website here or follow this link to the Facebook page.