The Rising Sun manager speaks out after re-opening with an “amazing” first week

The manager of one of Reading's oldest institutions has shared how excited he is to have recently re-opened the establishment for business.

General Manager of The Rising Sun Benjamin Donald, 34, said that the pub has been thriving since re-opening its doors last Tuesday June 25.

"We've had a great first week," Mr Donald said. "We've been very well received by everyone who has visited us, including lots of people from the local community.

"I grew up in the area, so it's always great to come back where you started from! It's fantastic to be back working here."

Mr Donald has worked in hospitality for over 16 years now, everything from country pubs to large bars in Portsmouth all the way to Australia where he opened a new Jamie's Italian.

When he found out that him and his team would be re-opening the pub, which holds great historic significance, he extensively researched its background.

The Rising Sun used to be a 13th Century coaching inn with the old county jail beneath it.

"Our wine cellar is now down there," Mr Donald said. "During covid when it shut it was actually the first time in 700 years that this place stopped serving alcohol.

"Being one of Reading's oldest pubs it does have all that history to it and it's absolutely fantastic and fascinating, especially to be a part of it."

Mr Donald said that after the pub is fully up and running they plan to continue to be heavily involved in the local community.

"School fetes, working closely with the bid, that sort of thing," he said. "We are also planning to bring things back that the pub was always celebrated for before."

The Rising Sun has a rich history of live music with many having performed in the beloved establishment over the centuries it has been open.

Mr Donald said that he plans to bring this back along with comedy nights. During the opening week the pub had multiple live events going on with music going out onto the terrace.

"We had the weather for it so it was just fantastic," he said. "We really want to try and bring back the performance culture that has been ever so present in the pub for hundreds of years.

"We hope to bring this back into existence for the local community, and hope that everyone will pay us a visit now The Rising Sun has re-opened its doors."