The Joiners Arms, Bloxham, has been fined £4,000 for poor hygiene standards in its kitchen.

Owner Thomas Aldous admitted two charges relating to food hygiene regulations at Banbury Magistrates’ Court.

He was also ordered to pay costs of £3,500 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

The case was brought after an outbreak of food poisoning in which 60 people were taken ill after eating at the pub last April.

An investigation by Cherwell District Council and the Health Protection Agency found high levels of e-coli in the kitchen.

It was also revealed that pub managers were aware staff worked at the premises while ill.