Ye Arrow pub in Rochester closed by Medway Council inspectors due to mouse infestation

One of Rochester’s best-known pubs was closed over the weekend after inspectors found mice on the premises

A Medway Council notice was placed in the window of the Ye Arrow, in Boley Hill, warning of contaminated food and a dead mouse. The notice read: “There is a widespread, active and uncontrolled mouse infestation throughout the premises with contaminated ready-to-eat food and a dead mouse presenting an imminent risk of injury to health.” A notice on the door said “Ye Arrow pub closed for the weekend due to unforeseen circumstances”. A pub spokesman said: “We have checks every month from pest control and there has never been a problem before. “We’re sorting it out at the moment – it’s all being refurbished. We’re getting new fridges and having a move around. I cannot say any more than that.” The notice came just three days after Pizza Plus Fried Chicken, in Gillingham High Street, was served a hygiene emergency prohibition order by Medway Magistrates’ Court for similar issues.

The order, served to Kunaradnam Kunanathan, forced the fast food takeaway to close due to “an active and widespread mouse infestation and the presence of contaminated food and food packaging presented an imminent risk of injury to health”.