Rising Sun Colden Common — Restaurant in Winchester

I really don't want to be writing this review because the whole village wants a good pub in the community. We'll come back for a snack and drink but will skip the meals in the future. We can see that the new owner is really trying but it just misses the mark.

When we sat down, the bar-tender was lovely and took our order. There were only three other people in the pub making the place feel empty. The tables and bar are sticky. It seems like there is an epoxy resin that's never cured or something is going on but it's off-putting. The ambience in the place is just cold and odd. It needs booths or some warmer colours or more people at midday on a Saturday afternoon.

The drinks were fine and our camembert starter was nice with it's normal lacklustre side salad. The real disappointment were the mains. My cajun chicken burger was dry and stringy. The fries were good, crispy but unsalted. My partner is veggie and his main - veggie sausages, mash, carrots and broccoli- looked unappetising and anemic. It looked like his broccoli had been prepared three days ago by my late grandmother (god rest her soul) who boiled vegetables to death.

I know we can't expect Michelin star food at the local pub but we expect a reason to not eat at home and unfortunately the Rising Sun isn't...

Recently came under new ownership, they have bought good vision to the pub. Its slowly becoming a popular hub for the whole village, and rightfully so. I will continue to update my review as the novelty of new owners may wear off. I'll also update with following changes IE when the kitchen eventually re-opens... the only slight gripe I have is the bar staff do struggle when it gets busy, especially when it comes to reserving tables but, they maintain a positive attitude.

Update Feb 24!

Food is now available! And very nice too. Portion sizes seem to be just right and I would say the price is slightly a little much on some dishes but not too bad. The food itself arrived timely and was delicious. I would definitely eat here again. All I would say is the pub has become very popular so if you are going to visit, make...

Beautifully cooked and tasty meals.. I took my elderly parents back to The Rising Sun for lunch today. Their first trip out for pub lunch since February 2020. We found this lovely village pub under new ownership. A member of staff was very helpful, he brought out a carver style chair for my Dad to use and directed us to sit under the heated canopy. We were initially disappointed they no longer had the lunch time specials menu and everything was a little over priced. HOWEVER!, the chef assured us as from the 17th May a more traditional English village pub grub menu would be available at appropriate prices. The meals we had today were excellent. WE WILL...