A popular Welsh pub has been slapped with the lowest possible food hygiene score after dozens of customers became violently ill following Sunday lunch service.
Mass Illness Following Sunday Roast
Fifty people reported falling sick after eating at the Cwrt Henllys Bar and Restaurant in Cwmbran, Torfaen, with at least nineteen cases confirmed as severe food poisoning. The incident occurred on October 5, 2025, when multiple groups dining at the establishment began experiencing alarming symptoms shortly after their meals.
Among those affected was a pregnant woman who described waking in the night with such intense cramping she feared she might be miscarrying. In one particularly concerning case, eight members of a thirteen-person group reported becoming ill, along with their dog who had consumed leftover scraps from the meal.
Official Investigation Identifies Cause
Torfaen Council's Public Protection Service launched an immediate investigation, conducting thorough inspections and microbiological testing. The results confirmed the outbreak stemmed from clostridium perfringens contamination, a bacteria known for rapid spread in improperly stored or undercooked meats and poultry.
The pub received a damning zero-out-of-five star hygiene rating following the inspection, with officials noting it required "urgent improvement" in multiple areas of food handling. Specific concerns were raised about preparation methods and heating and re-heating processes that could allow dangerous bacteria to thrive.
Pub Response and Council Assurance
In response to the critical report, Cwrt Henllys management initially pointed fingers at their suppliers while acknowledging the food poisoning incidents. "There were cases of food poisoning which has never been in doubt, and we apologise to anyone caught up in that," the establishment stated.
The bar expressed gratitude for customer understanding and indicated they expected a new inspection imminently, adding they had experienced no further issues in the six weeks since the initial outbreak. Meanwhile, Torfaen Council confirmed no additional illness reports had emerged linked to the October 5th incident and assured the public there remained no wider health risk.
The case highlights the critical importance of proper food safety protocols in hospitality venues, particularly when handling high-risk items like meats served in traditional Sunday carvery offerings.
