A Kirkby pub has been slapped with a one star hygiene rating after horrified health inspectors found it to be infested with rats.
The Railway on Glovers Brow was visited by environmental health officers from Knowsley Council in March, with staff reprimanded for 'not complying with hygiene regulations'.
Inspectors found rat droppings on floors and throughout the cellar, while a number of crisp packets had been gnawed through.
The pub, which also boasts a function room for parties and events, was said to have not been 'adequately pest proofed', with uncovered drains, as well as gaps in holes, doors, floors, walls and ceilings.
Staff had previously been warned about 'ongoing rat activity' in September 2018.
According to the British Pest Control Association, rats carry many nasty diseases which they can spread to humans.
They can also inflict a great amount of structural damage.
Inspectors also found the ice machine was full of mould, and ice was being stored directly in the hand wash basin behind the bar.
The report also says the 'standard of low level cleaning was poor'.
The Railway has a 3.8/5 rating on Google Reviews, with some customers praising its Sunday Roasts and 'good beer'.
But inspectors rated the venue as follows:
Hygienic food handling - Improvement necessary
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building - Improvement necessary
Management of food safety - Major improvement necessary
The Railway has declined to comment.
