The Rising Sun — Restaurant in Chelmsford

Attended a friend’s birthday bash- children were apart of the party and had previous confirmation they would be accepted into the venue by the landlord/owner.

All started well- the children… were playing in the garden- with ADULT constant supervision. The landlord/owner approached us and said our children were too noisy, were screaming and would put other customers off. We all have subjective views on acceptable behaviour- our children were being children, laughing and playing. There was no screaming or for us any unacceptable behaviour.

If this is where it ended- I wouldn’t be writing this review.

The landlord/owner then advised us the children were being naughty and if they were his children would be sitting on a chair and table. Their behaviour was unacceptable. It was at this point I stated children in attendance had autism/ adhd and it would be not possible for them to sit. I also explained that even to enter the venue my child had to sit in the bottom of her brother pushchair crying with her hands over her ears due to the noise- which is also why where outside. The landlord/ owner was becoming more angry with us, thus I left the conversation myself becoming upset.

I then entered some time later to the bar area and was approached by the landlord/ owner. He stated he had not realised there were children with extra needs …. Though continued to state they should behave in certain ways acceptable. It was at this point I completely lost any respect and stated he had a duty of care to his customers and also staff regarding disability awareness- to which he stated he doesn’t know anything about it. I walked off stating I would never come back and he has a duty to know.

I feel as a party and persons/ children/ adults we experienced discrimination. There was no willing to accommodate once we had made aware of the struggles.

We were not asking for special treatment, just acceptance. I would not only recommend autism awareness training/ disability act training but just basic customer service and empathy training

I would certainly not call your environment SEND friendly or children friendly.

I feel you were likely more dog friendly than children friendly. Food otherwise was lovely and the whole pub was so beautiful.

I will never...

This place has recently been refurbished and from a decor point of view it looks good, however from all other points the pub has gone and now appears to be a restaurant. If this is what you are looking for, you can add at least two stars, if you are looking for a pub there are better options just up the road. You will not find any form of entertainment here, no pool table, Tv, amusements, dart board etc. Had been meaning to check this place out so walked in to a "Hello" from the barman but a suprised look on his face as in perhaps suprised to have any customers- i was the only one in and perhaps he expected a booking for eaters. Did not feel comfortable as a drinker. No bar stools at bar and tables which look very much for diners. Does not open till at least 4 on weekdays yet still no one in at 5.30 odd. Walked in/out. Not for me thanks. Was on the England/Hungary night and went traditional...

Billed as a family extra-friendly pub but far from it. The manager was happy to take our money for food (pricey for what it is) then asked us to leave once we had eaten. We arrived just before 6pm, other children present but we were refused table tennis paddles and told to just sit quietly in case the pub got busy. It didn't get busy. I complained and we were given the paddles. We were then watched like a hawk. A very disappointing experience. If you don't want kids in the early evenings then don't bill yourselves as a family pub. Not relaxing. We left by 8 and won't return and advise others with kids to...