A fish parasite threat and spiders were discovered during a damning hygiene inspection at a luxury Italian riverside restaurant nestled in an Oxfordshire village.

Don Giovanni at The Leatherne Bottel on Bridle Way in Goring, south of Wallingford, claims it has brought the Amalfi Coast to Oxfordshire.

With a 150 cover al fresco dining area and an inside restaurant, bosses say customers have access to an all-year-round venue.

The menu consists of pasta dishes which are available for around £20 while starters are priced around £15.

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There was a parasite risk with the fish (stock photo).There was a parasite risk with the fish (stock photo). (Image: Unsplash)

Following a hygiene inspection on Saturday, August 14 by South Oxfordshire District Council, the restaurant was handed a damning one-out-of-five food hygiene rating.

The Oxford Mail has now obtained a copy of the full report from that inspection following a freedom of information request.

One shocking discovery made by inspectors on the day was that the seafood being served was at risk of parasites due to the staff’s preparation.

“There isn't a written safe system for your high-risk foods i.e. chicken liver pate, (offal), marinated fish etc,” read the report.

“This was mentioned at the last inspection, however, the methods are not written and controls are not in place.

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The riverside restaurant was handed a shocking food hygiene rating.The riverside restaurant was handed a shocking food hygiene rating. (Image: Google Maps)

“The invoices shown at the time of inspection don't indicate the fish is frozen, and there is no evidence that you have achieved the required temperature to kill parasites.

“A staff member was also observed using the blue board for raw fish, for cutting food that was evidently not raw fish.”

Don Giovanni’s cleanliness was also an issue according to the inspector with spiders being identified at the location.

“The wash hand basin was dirty, the flooring in the external storeroom was dirty and there was evidence of spiders and cobwebs at a high level in the storeroom.

“The flooring under the dishwasher and behind the equipment needs further cleaning.

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“There was dirty water pooling on the floor between the ice machines in the external storeroom. Clean this area and repair the damaged wall.”

There was also a serious mould risk in the bar due to dampness being spotted by the inspector on the day.

“Damp visible on the wall in the bar and the tiles need replacing behind the hand wash basin in this area,” added the report.

In addition, the restaurant was also at risk of pests such as mice and rats due to the building not being proofed correctly.

“The store area was not suitably pest-proofed,” added the report.

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Don Giovanni in Oxfordshire.Don Giovanni in Oxfordshire. (Image: Don Giovanni / Facebook)

“Any gaps and holes to external doors, windows, pipes, drains etc. must be filled or covered with a solid, durable material in order to minimise pest entry points into food preparation and storage areas.”

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