A pub next to the Chelsea FC training ground is in the doghouse after being caught allowing animals to wander through the kitchen’s walk-in chillers.

The Old Plough, near Cobham and Stoke D’Abernon station, was investigated by Elmbridge Council on August 6, after a complaint by a drinker who found dog hairs in their glass.

Robert Ketley, of the Ketley Pub Company, also failed to give hygiene training to staff at the pub and had left food to mould, Staines Magistrates' Court heard on September 22.

Officers concluded the food at the pub was not safe to eat because of the lack of safety controls in place.

The council also found evidence pets at the pub had been allowed into the kitchen and bar area and there was poor cleaning and maintenance of the premises and equipment.

Ketley pleaded guilty to six food hygiene offences and was fined a total of £10,500, including £3,000 for not implementing an adequate food safety management system - one of the highest fines ever awarded for such an offence - and £1,500 each for a further five breaches.

He was also told by magistrates to pay £4,000 in costs.

Tony Deag, head of the environmental health and licensing at the council, said: “When standards fall so low that consumers’ health is put at risk, we will apply our legal powers to ensure this responsibility is implemented.

“Consumers have a right to expect high standards of food safety when they are eating out or purchasing food, which is why the results of food safety inspections are published online.”

To view the council’s food hygiene rating scheme, visit elmbridge.gov.uk/food