H.O. Ward, a British pensioner, who visits pubs in the South of England, is our occasional columnist. Read more pub reviews by H.O. Ward.
Recent History in a Historic Pub
The Rising Sun has a history dating from the late seventeenth century. Sadly, apart from the original well trodden floor boards, the building has retained none of the old architectural features. Nevertheless there is much historical evidence albeit of more recent times.Situated on the banks of the River Hamble, the nearby car park hosts a commemorative plaque to the commando units who sailed on the night of 5th June 1944 for the D-Day landings. Another Plaque is outside on the pub’s wall.
This theme has been extended to the pub decoration creating an unusual but pleasing ambiance. Memorabilia in the form of photographs of Churchill, Eisenhower and General Montgomery, as well as newspaper clippings commemorating the event adorn the walls.
By contrast, a sign suspended from the ceiling relates to the early 1900s ferry price of a penny a trip.
Being at the end of a road, The Rising Sun works hard to attract clientele and I have always found the staff pleasant, helpful and efficient. As well as a skittle alley the pub frequently organizes quiz nights and other gala events.
Essentials
Address:74 Shore RoadWarsash
Southampton
Hampshire SO31 9 FT, UK Telephone: 01489 576898
Open: Monday to Saturday - 11a.m. to 11p.m., Sunday - noon to 10:30p.m. Food served from noon to last orders 2:30p.m. and 6 p.m. to last orders 9:30p.m. Food on Sunday from noon to last orders 9:15p.m.
Directions: From the A27 take the Warsash Road. At Warsash carry on over the roundabout into Shore Road (which resembles a bottle opener) the lower part being one way.
To Drink
This pub is "Cask Marque" accredited for Real Ales including Green King IPA, Old Speckled Hen, Abbott, Ringwood Best, Hardy’s and Hanson Old Trip - surely enough to attract real ale enthusiasts.Draught beers served include Carling, Fosters, Heineken Premium, Stella, Boddingtons, Guinness. Strongbow Cider is also available on tap.
There's a good choice of wines including six reds, two roses, six whites and three champagnes.
To Eat
There's plenty of choice for lunch, with five starters - including goats cheese fritters with pineapple chutney - and nine classic mains including IPA beer battered fish and chips. There's a selection of lighter dishes, several varieties of ploughman's lunch, baked potatoes with a choice of fillings, sandwiches and wraps - including duck and plum sauce wrap and roasted balsamic vegetable wrap. The six desserts include a popular bread and butter pudding.The dinner menu has an even wider selection adding five steaks & grills, four "Something to Share" and four vegetarian pleasing house specialities - sweet potato and chick pea curry; leek, butternut squash and chestnut Wellington, tomato & Mediterranean vegetable risotto and wild mushroom risotto.
The Cost
Beer ranges from £2.10 for Old Trip to £2.70 for Speckled Hen or Abbott.A 175 ml glass of rose costs £1,90, a red £3.80. There are several wines at £3.95 for a 250ml glass, up to about £5.35 for a large glass of red. Bottles cost from £10.95 for a Reisling, up to £15.45 for a Shiraz Cabernet. As a special offer, buy two large glasses of a selected wine and the rest of the bottle is free.
The Bottom Line
I have visited the pub on numerous occasions after a walk for health on one of the nearby paths. In fact several oldies from our party often seek refreshment and relaxation after our exertions. On the strength of these visits I invited some friends for Sunday lunch.The traditional Sunday lunch looked tempting but my guests chose from the Chefs Board, namely the mixed fish grill and new potatoes with salad - £13.95, and Moroccan lamb tagine with saffron and cous cous - £9.95. Both were impressed. I enjoyed my scampi at ££7.95. My guests each had a sweet, one the brioche bread and butter pudding at £3.95 and the other the chocolate torte at £4.25 - much enjoyed. As always the coffee was good. My guests bought the drinks so I can only estimate the overall cost for three with drinks at £50.
It was pleasant to sit by the window overlooking the river, which always seems to be busy. I intend to go again, soon.
