The Rising Sun reopened today to welcome the Reading community through its doors following an extensive, multi million pound refurbishment. The team at The Rising Sun will be led by General Manager Ben Donald and Head Chef Ravi Patel who bring with them a wealth of experience.
Officially opened by the Mayor of Reading, Councillor Glenn Dennis, guests were entertained throughout the afternoon by stilt walkers, a juggler, tastings from local brewers Loddon Brewery and live jazz from Sarah Jane Eveleigh and friends.
Other activities this week to celebrate the opening include live acoustic music in the garden from local duo, Peared, on Friday 28th June from 6pm and a children’s biscuit decorating workshop on Sunday 30th June between 10.30am and 11.30am in partnership with The Funky Cookie Company. Both events are free but booking is required for the biscuit workshop here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/heartwood-inns-brasserieblanc
The Rising Sun (having reverted to its original name from The Sun) has undergone an extensive renovation in line with its Grade II listed status. Inside, the original bar space has been transformed to create 80 covers with the work showcasing the original timberwork that is a feature of this historic building that dates back to the 13th century. To the rear a new conservatory links the original pub to the old stables which have been converted to create a stunning vaulted ceiling dining room with space for up to 110 diners. Throughout the interior, guests will see Heartwood’s signature warm and quirky style in upholstered banquettes, cosy snugs and feature wallpapers.
Outside, the former car park has been converted into a beautiful garden for a further 100 covers for drinkers and diners. Featuring a shepherds hut bar, eight heated dining pods and pergolas, this sheltered space will be the perfect spot for al fresco dining this summer.
As a three star rated business by the Sustainable Restaurant Association, guests will be able to enjoy Heartwood’s seasonally sourced menus alongside a curated wine list, local cask ales, beers and cocktails. Younger guests will be able to enjoy their own bespoke menu whilst four-legged friends will be made welcome in the bar and in the garden.
Richard Ferrier, CEO, Heartwood Collection, said:
“We are very excited to have re-opened this iconic pub in the heart of Reading. The oldest pub in the town, we have really enjoyed restoring this property and hope the people of Reading like it as much as we do.”
For more information on The Rising Sun please visit www.risingsunreading.com
For more information on Heartwood Inns please visit www.heartwoodinns.com
For more information on Heartwood Collection please visit www.heartwoodcollection.com
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Press Contact
For any media enquiries please contact Emma Martin: press@heartwoodcollection.com / 020 3166 2727
Notes to editors
Heartwood Collection is the Group that operates 23 Heartwood Inns pubs and 14 Brasserie Blanc restaurants across the UK. Heartwood Collection’s current site portfolio is as follows:
Inns
The Barley Mow – Englefield Green, Surrey
The Black Horse – Thame, Oxfordshire
The Black Horse – Reigate, Surrey
The Black Swan – Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire
The Boot – Histon, Cambridgeshire
The Britannia – Parkstone, Dorset
The British Queen – Locksbottom, Kent
The Cricketers – Cobham, Surrey
The Hare – Harrow Weald, Middlesex
The Highwayman – Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire
The Jobber’s Rest – Upminster, Essex
The Jolly Farmer – Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire
The King’s Arms – Prestbury, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
The King’s Head – Teddington, Middlesex
The March Hare – Guildford, Surrey
The Oaks – Highcliffe, Christchurch, Dorset
The Plough & Harrow – Long Ditton, Surrey
The Queen’s Head – Weybridge, Surrey
The Quill & Scholar – Lichfield, Staffordshire
The Red Deer – Horsham, West Sussex
The Sun Inn – Chobham, Surrey
The White Bear – Ruislip, Middlesex
The White Horse – Dorking, Surrey
Upcoming openings
The Ropemaker – Emsworth, Hampshire. Opening 23rd July 2024
The White Hart – Lewes, East Sussex. Opening September 2024
The Coat & Bear – Newbury, Berkshire. Opening October 2024
The Royal Forest – Epping Forest, Essex. Opening November 2024
The Prince of Wales – East Barnet, London. Opening Winter 2024
The Old Crown – Great Bookham, Surrey. Opening Winter 2024
The White Hart – Lymington, Hampshire. Opening Winter 2024
The Ragged Robin – Godalming, Surrey. Opening Spring 2025
Brasserie Blanc Restaurants
London – Chancery Lane
London – Fulham Reach
London – Southbank
London – Threadneedle Street
Beaconsfield
Bournemouth
Cheltenham
Chichester
Hale Barns
Leeds
Milton Keynes
Oxford
Portsmouth
Winchester
Heartwood Collection is backed by Alchemy Partners. Heartwood recently announced the news that Heartwood Collection recently secured an additional £100m of funding from its owner Alchemy Partners and its banking partner OakNorth to support the Group’s continued growth in freehold pubs and freehold pubs with rooms.
Heartwood Inns has been awarded the Best Managed Pub Group and Best Operations Team Awards at the Publican Awards 2024 alongside the R200 Best Food-Led Pub Group Awards 2023. It has also been recognised as a Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024 and won the Bronze Award at the DRUM EMEA Awards for Best Rebrand for Heartwood Collection.
For any media enquiries please contact Emma Martin: press@heartwoodcollection.com / 020 3166 2727
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