An award winning Marlow restaurant has been handed a two-out-of-five hygiene score after a recent inspection.

The Oarsman, based on Spittal Street, was given the rating following an inspection on November 19 last year.

Now the restaurant has defended its reputation and explained that a pump on the boiler had broken on the day of the inspection, leading to a lack of running water.

The Free Press understands the pump was reported the following day and has since been repaired.

The restaurant has been regarded as one of the best pubs in the country due to its high-quality food, friendly service, and extensive menu.

In January, the venue was ranked 99th out of 100 in a recent list of ‘must try restaurants in the country, with the location also winning numerous awards in the past.

READ MORE: The Oarsman in Marlow wins ‘Newcomer of the Year’ from Estrella Damm

Buckinghamshire Council visited the premises and said that while the hygiene and confidence in management were ‘generally satisfactory’, its structural compliance needed ‘necessary improvement’.

Restaurant manager, Molly Sudborough, said the assessment occurred when she was not in charge of the premises, but that the Oarsman set their standards ‘very high’.

The manager initially worked with the venue before leaving for another restaurant in the area, before returning at the start of this year – roughly six to eight weeks after the inspection had taken place.

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She said: “I wasn’t here when they had their hygiene visit [back in November], so I am unsure of the reasons behind the decision for that score.

“The hygiene standards that the chefs set are very, very high, and in terms of allergies and contamination, they are very good with stuff like that.

“With the reviews that we get for when people come and eat, we’re very on it to meet their requirements and dietary needs.

“We’re spot on about that, as we handle everything safely.

“There is nothing to worry about.”

The Oarsman is regarded as one of the best pubs to visit in the South East of England due to its reputation as a multi-award-winning restaurant.

READ MORE: Michelin-starred chef begins residence at popular Marlow pub

Its mention in the ‘go to’ list for 2026 is just one of many accolades.

In 2023, it was named the ‘Newcomer of the Year’ at the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs ceremony.

That same year, it was named the best in South East England in the National Pub & Bar awards.

Ms Sudborough added: “The head chefs work their arses off as much as they can when they are in here, as they set certain standards.

“We are all happy with the outcome of that, and it is a big achievement.

“The front of house team is very welcoming as they care for our customers.

“The kitchen does their utmost to hit every target that they have, and that goes from the standard that they put out to the food that they cook.

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“Everything is a top-notch standard.

“We like to give the best we can in terms of standards, as we want to give the best experience for people who come here. “