Berkhamsteds little Big Pub

If you’re thinking about trying this pub

…….. STOP thinking and do it.

The Rising Sun is, by far, the best pub in Berkhamsted

& the atmosphere is that of a proper pub.

Ultimately, a pub for the drinksman in which

Kingsley Amis would’ve been happy to drink.

A real pub Huzzah!

This pub is a gem, well worth seeking out.

Once you’ve tried it, you will be back!

What a find! A beautiful, honest, old fashioned pub!

In a world of

“gastropubs”

this is a rarity

“Small but very pleasant

proper pub, good beers and

cheerful real people

who know how to serve it”

A very attractive small canalside pub with two bay windows in the front bar with great views over the lock.Traditional interior with an intimate back lounge around the side of the bar,and a good courtyard area for smokers.Judging by the collection of pump clips some interesting ale has been served here and the pub is committed to traditional cider and a wide range of bottled perry and cider. The Riser is a must visit in Berko, should be in the GBG and could become the best pub in the town shortly.Very friendly bar staff.’

I live in darkest bolivia and am dying of thirst . Have been hearing great things about The Riser and real ale and things from those intrepid but eager customers Gordon and Bex. Looking forward to seeing you and give Gordon and Bex my love etc.

“Great beer- some locally sourced from The Tring Brewery – all well kept.”

“It’s refreshing to see a small pub like this going to a lot of effort for it’s customers. Subsequently, of course, the place was busy all day and into the evening, which makes good business sense as well”

A curious little pub in Berkhamsted. Held back by the size of the bar it scores well when the sun is out as you can sit by the Grand Union canal……”

“Small, characterful, canalside pub.

Lovely location, especially in summer, with a vibrant atmosphere and within easy walking distance of Berkhamsted town and all its facilities.

Real ales and small beer garden.

This is a proper pub. It sells a variety of good beers and ciders (and no doubt other tasty stuff that I did not try). It isn’t part of a chain and thank God for that.

Inside it has a slightly worn, comfortable style, with good character, which would be cozy in the autumn or winter. The staff are cordial and the publican friendly and clearly well-suited for the job. It is also in a rather lovely spot, right next to a lock on the Grand Union Canal, and also has a nice little beer garden so a good place to come for an outdoor drink in the summer.

It is true, what one of the other reviewers said, that it has more appeal than The Boat, further up the canal towards Berkhamsted town. However, whereas the Rising Sun does not generally offer food, The Boat does, which is unexceptional quality but may be a commercial advantage.

Having said that, as it happened, on the day of our visit, The Riser (as it is known locally I understsand) was serving the most perfect ploughman’s lunch, as part of a beer festival it had on. The ploughman’s had the virtue of being the only thing on the menu, which appealed to me for its simplicity. It comprised a massive hunk of freshly-baked bread, several generous helpings of English cheese (Oxfordshire Blue, Cornish Brie and some local Cheddar), some locally-produced organic ham, cooked in a marmalade crust on the premises, home-made chutney, half an apple and half a large pickled onion. Brilliant. If I hadn’t felt a bit dozy afterwards from the beer and sunshine, I am sure I could have ploughed several hectares fueled by that.

When it was served up, the landlord ran through the items included with obvious relish and when I complimented him afterwards he said he liked to think it was ‘a proper ploughman’s’. Indeed it was. Apparently it had gone down very well with other punters too and may become a regular fixture. As someone who lives nearby, I do hope so. I will certainly be returning in hope of eating another and drinking some more good beer by the canal.

All in all, it is well worth a visit and the extra few minutes walk from the town.