Wetherspoon issues statement after rat is spotted in Sheffield pub

The large rodent was seen in the Benjamin Huntsman in the city centre last week and a photo of the incident was shared on social media more than 1300 times.

While another revealed staff members quickly caught the pest by throwing a plastic bread basket over it.

The pub chain has now apologised to customers.

Spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “Firstly we apologise to our customers for the incident.

“There is an empty building next to the pub and we believe that is where the rat has come from.

“Within two hours of the sighting an engineer was at the pub.

“Since the incident pest proofing has been carried out.

“The council’s environmental health officer has contacted the pub and have confirmed they are happy with the steps taken to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”