Rising Sun

Friendly licensees make this proper country pub a warmly welcoming all-rounder; well kept beers and popular food

There's always a cheerful, welcoming atmosphere in this 17th-c coaching inn and our readers enjoy their visits here very much. The low-beamed carpeted bar has some easy chairs and a sofa by its good log fire, and a few tables with pubby seats. Beyond the fireplace on the right is a pleasant much roomier dining area, with similarly unpretentious furnishings, running back in an L past the bar; one part of this has stripped brick barrel vaulting. Greene King Old Speckled Hen, Marstons Pedigree and Ringwood Best and Fortyniner on handpump, and a dozen wines by the glass; faint piped music. There are picnic-sets out on the side grass with a play area, and the Kings Way long distance path is close by – some readers tell us it is best to head north where there is lovely downland country, fine views and interesting winding lanes.

Well liked bar food at lunchtime includes sandwiches or filled baguettes and baked potatoes, ploughman's, soup, omelettes, fresh beer-battered fish, a pie of the day, creamy cheese, mushroom and tomato pasta, and lambs liver and bacon, with evening dishes such as duck liver pâté with cumberland sauce, locally smoked trout with horseradish, pork fillet with a creamy red pepper sauce, duck breast in a beetroot and sage sauce, local salmon, and puddings.