Visited April 2006

Having heard good things from many of you about The Rising Sun we thought we must try it for ourselves; we were not disappointed, we enjoyed really special home cooked pub grub.  A refreshing change from lots of pretty pictures on plates!

The pub is of olde worlde appearance, lots of beams and dining in three separate areas, I presume it is possible to have some of the snacks on the menu in the bar area.

Mark Watts, or Wattsy as he is known to his friends and Radio Solent listeners, greets everyone enhancing the already warm and friendly atmosphere created by the welcome upon arrival from the bar staff.  He and his wife Sue took over the Rising Sun last summer; they are building it's reputation for food, Mark being the executive chef.  When he took our order he told us that the menu is changed regularly to keep his many regular customers happy.  A nice touch, he brought the specials board to us, explained the choices and then left it with us so we had time to make the difficult decisions!

Our choices are pictured above, we were impressed with the fabulous creamy mashed potato, the mushy peas, the fresh peas and the enormous portions, we had such a job to manage the puds!  The favourite choices were the faggots and the raspberry brulee.  The fish and chips, we noticed other diners enjoying, looked very yummy.

By the way Wattsy needs your support to get him back on Radio Solent; the powers that be, ignoring his popularity, are cutting back on the regular cookery spots he broadcasts on there, write to your MP!  You may also want to attend the cookery demonstrations he holds on the last Thursday of every month, booking essential.

We had our usual G&T's and a bottle of Pinot Grigio Rose, so it was a very reasonably priced lunch.

Cost £ £ £ £

Yummy Factor 7.5/10

Report CJ