On November 30, 2025, a cherished Sunday tradition in the small Welsh village of Llangynwyd took an unexpected turn. Dozens of diners who had gathered at the Corner House Inn—a popular local pub known for its hearty British fare—found themselves grappling with the unpleasant aftermath of food poisoning. The incident, as reported by BBC, Metro, and the Daily Mail, has since become a talking point in the community, raising questions about food safety, the responsibilities of local businesses, and the resilience of loyal customers.
Public Health Wales (PHW), working alongside the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and environmental health officers, swiftly identified the culprit behind the outbreak: Clostridium perfringens. This bacterium, widespread in animals and the environment, is notorious for causing food poisoning, particularly in settings where large batches of food are prepared and kept warm for extended periods. Its spores can survive cooking and thrive if food is left to cool slowly or is not properly refrigerated—a scenario all too common in busy kitchens serving big crowds on Sundays.
"We have received 43 reports of illness in people who ate food prepared at the premises and can confirm that Clostridium perfringens has been identified as the cause," said Siobhan Adams, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health Wales, in a statement quoted by Metro and BBC. She added, "The risk to the public is low, and no additional cases are likely at this stage. We would like to thank the business for the constructive and proactive way they have engaged with our investigation."
The symptoms experienced by affected diners were far from subtle. According to the Food Standards Agency, Clostridium perfringens poisoning usually manifests as sudden, intense abdominal cramps and watery diarrhea, typically appearing six to twenty-four hours after eating contaminated food. While most healthy adults recover quickly, certain groups—young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions—are at greater risk of severe illness. Thankfully, as BBC reported, the overall risk to the wider public has been deemed low, and health authorities do not expect further cases linked to this incident.
The Corner House Inn, a fixture in Llangynwyd’s social life, responded to the crisis with transparency and urgency. As soon as reports of illness surfaced, the pub’s owners contacted environmental health authorities themselves, voluntarily closing the restaurant on December 1, 2025, to allow for a thorough investigation and deep cleaning. In a message shared on Facebook and cited by the Daily Mail, they reassured customers: "We have taken all necessary steps to work with the customers and environmental health to find out the cause for this. We contacted environmental health ourselves and decided to close the business until we had the correct information. We have spent hours with a thorough inspection with environmental health officers today."
During the closure, staff undertook a comprehensive sanitisation of the premises, working closely with officials to ensure every surface and kitchen area met the highest standards of hygiene. The business kept patrons updated through social media, emphasizing their commitment to customer safety and promising honesty throughout the process. "The most important part for us is keeping you, our customers, and staff safe and updated. We thank you all for your continued support and are happy to welcome you into our home," the owners wrote in a follow-up post, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
As news of the outbreak spread, affected customers shared their experiences online. One diner recounted, "I definitely think it’s food related as all my party that ate here Sunday have been ill but it’s not passed on to any other people that any of us live with since home," according to Metro. Another shared a rather unusual twist: "My daughter brought a doggy bag home for my dog and he was ill also." For some, the symptoms were immediate and severe, while others reported that only certain members of their party fell ill despite eating the same meal. "We were a party of four, all ate the same thing and I’m the only one to have become unwell. Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the food. The only things I had that the other three didn’t were a Pepsi max and mint sauce," one customer noted, as cited by the Daily Mail.
Despite the scare, the Corner House Inn’s reputation for good food and friendly service inspired a wave of support from regulars and first-time visitors alike. Many took to Facebook to defend the pub’s hygiene practices and praise the owners’ responsible handling of the crisis. "Sorry to hear this. Often there for the fantastic Sunday dinner and have never had an issue. Hope all affected are ok but I highly doubt this is due to Corner House practices / hygiene; fair play to Wayne/Gill for self-reporting and going through root cause analysis process with environmental health," wrote one loyal customer, as reported by Metro. Another echoed the sentiment: "Total respect for you both for being such responsible owners. You run a first class business and for your sakes I hope you get the answers you deserve soon. No hesitation in eating with you soon."
Even as the investigation unfolded, the pub’s menu continued to be a point of pride. The Daily Mail highlighted its crowd-pleasing offerings, from homemade soups and creamy garlic mushrooms to chargrilled steaks, mixed grills, and classic fish and chips. Vegetarian options like house-made lasagne and chickpea curry round out the selection, catering to a broad range of tastes. The pub’s commitment to quality and variety has long made it a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
By December 10, 2025, Public Health Wales and environmental health officers had concluded their investigation, giving the Corner House Inn the green light to reopen. The restaurant resumed normal operations, and the owners expressed gratitude for the community’s patience and encouragement during a challenging week. According to BBC, staff declined to comment further but reiterated their focus on maintaining high standards going forward.
This episode serves as a reminder of the complexities of food safety, especially in settings where tradition and hospitality meet the practical challenges of serving large groups. While Clostridium perfringens outbreaks are rare, they underscore the importance of vigilance in food preparation and storage. For the Corner House Inn, the ordeal has tested not only their protocols but also the strength of their relationship with the community—a test they seem to have passed with both humility and determination.
For now, Sunday lunches at the Corner House Inn are back on the menu, and the pub’s tables are once again filling with laughter, conversation, and, hopefully, only fond memories.
