The Rising Sun — Restaurant in England

(bear with me) Samuel Pepys described the pub as "the heart of England". This pub lives up to that idea.

Unfortunately most pubs desecrate this sentiment and spit on the magical idea of a pub. Unfriendly, zero service, overly done tasteless modern and grotty interior, unclean, unauthentic, serving thawed matter bought in from a supplier that doesn't even deserve the title of "food". Outdated menus with no consideration that food has changed in the last 60 years. If you don't want meat, unlucky, every dish has it and you had better eat at home.

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Then you find the gems like this, that honour and exceed the picture of the quintessential pub that you have in your head, and suprise you by even exceeding it in parts. Set in ancient fairytale countryside, views for 10 miles from the side of a great hill, a rustic and perfectly imperfect storied inn, it feels homely as you are warmed as much by the smiley demeanour of the people as you are by the open fire. Presented a smooth coffee, and a generously sized roast that fills the stomach and bolsters the soul. Affording you dietary options that fit the current-day demand for alternatives to animal derived dishes.

I had to write this because I want to emphasise how places like this that reinvigorate your belief in a good old pub, bucking the trend of eternally disappointing, chain pubs. It is so saddening to see the state of public houses until I find places like this that could not be more opposite, and give you hope for the future of pubs. They live up to expectations you have from rose-tinted memories of good memories in good pubs. They wow you and make the effort and get so much right.

It is rare it is to find these but I'm so glad when I do. They happily accommodate those who choose not to eat animal products with two vegan main options on a sunday. The roast was beautiful, perfectly roasted carrots, potatoes and parsnips. Sweet and tart red cabbage, and a nut roast that was homemade with heart, it didn't go unnoticed, incredible - I could liken the flavour it to pork even, shockingly tasty, so appreciated. Blondie dessert was wonderful, for sure the best vegan dessert I've had in a pub. Soft cookie-like blondie, chocolate kind-of-ganache, and non-dairy ice cream with candied orange pieces on top, and yet not too sweet, seriously mind-blowing.

Waitress was so kind and smiley and friendly, thoughtfully tried hard to encourage us in to sit by the fire, out of the cold, which we eventually did. Greeted as we entered by wooden ceilings and beams, sturdy old flagstones underfoot, cosy atmosphere.

Can't wait to return, especially to sit outside and enjoy the view over the rolling hills below and perhaps in winter in one of the bubbles with a heater inside, would...

As a frequent visitor of The Rising Sun in Lacock, I can confidently say that my family and I always enjoy our time spent at this charming establishment. From the moment you step inside, the warm and inviting atmosphere welcomes you, setting the tone for a delightful dining experience.

One of the standout features of The Rising Sun is their offering of Asahi beer on tap. For beer enthusiasts like myself, having the opportunity to enjoy a fresh pint of Asahi straight from the tap adds a special touch to the overall enjoyment of the visit. The crispness and quality of the beer complement the delectable dishes on the menu perfectly, creating a harmonious dining experience.

One of the highlights of The Rising Sun is the stunning terrace view from the balcony. It provides a picturesque backdrop that enhances the dining experience, especially during sunny days or serene evenings. The view adds an extra layer of relaxation and enjoyment to the ambiance of the restaurant.

Aside from the delightful beer selection and breathtaking view, the staff at The Rising Sun truly elevate the overall dining experience. Their pleasant demeanor, attentiveness, and excellent service contribute significantly to making each visit a memorable and enjoyable one. Whether you have a question about the menu or need assistance with your order, the staff always go above and beyond to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.

The Rising Sun offers a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, providing a refreshing environment where you can unwind and savor delicious food and drinks. Each visit feels like a rejuvenating retreat, allowing you to indulge in a moment of tranquility while relishing in the culinary delights and scenic beauty that the restaurant has to offer.

In conclusion, The Rising Sun in Lacock is a gem of a place that consistently delivers on all fronts – from its delightful beer selection to its stunning terrace view and exceptional service. It is not just a dining experience; it is a moment of blissful relaxation and enjoyment that leaves you looking forward to your next visit. If you're seeking a place to unwind, indulge in great food and drinks, and bask in a soothing atmosphere, The Rising Sun is the perfect...

A Lackluster Experience at Rising Sun Restaurant in Lacock

My recent dining experience at the Rising Sun Restaurant in Lacock unfortunately fell short of expectations. Despite a promising start with a clean and inviting atmosphere and friendly staff, the culinary offerings failed to match the impressive views and left much to be desired.

To begin on a positive note, the Rising Sun Restaurant boasted a clean and well-facilitated environment. The staff, although a bit stressed, greeted us warmly and allowed us to choose our seating on the charming garden terrace. The views from there were truly spectacular, and the menu appeared enticing, leading us to have high hopes for the meal ahead.

Regrettably, the food at Rising Sun Restaurant did not live up to the breathtaking views. Our group ordered a variety of dishes, including a prawn salad that lacked flavour, pork belly bites that arrived lukewarm, an asparagus and goat cheese dish that was passable, a Thai curry with next to no sauce and oversized tasteless broccoli florets dominating the plate, and an incredibly bland chicken burger that was surprisingly lacking in seasoning or any discernible flavor.

Our dissatisfaction with the meal reached a point where we left most of our food uneaten and opted to cook our own meal at home instead. This decision speaks volumes about the overall disappointment we experienced with the taste, quality, and execution of the dishes we ordered.

In conclusion, my experience at the Rising Sun Restaurant in Lacock was far from satisfying. Despite the initial positive impression created by the clean ambiance and friendly staff, the lackluster and flavorless food ultimately overshadowed these factors. It is my hope that the restaurant takes note of these shortcomings and makes necessary improvements, the small refinements to the food to match the great sounding menu would easily elevate the dining experience and ensure that future patrons can enjoy both the stunning views and the culinary delights...