The Rising Sun, Berkhamsted

Given the reviews here, I was expecting something of a cask ale destination pub, hopefully with a good range of interesting ales, supported by some interesting keg, but that really wasn't what I found. The bar counter isn't the largest, and space was further restricted by a couple of stool-sitters. There were just 3 Bests on the handpumps (Pride, something from Tring and St Austell Cornish), and an enquiry confirmed that this constituted the entire range. On a warm afternoon, I instead opted for a pint of keg Parka Pale Ale (and at £5.90, I guess that's a reasonable price these days). The Rising Sun is a surprisingly large and rambling pub. It was busy outside, though I discovered a quiet room to while away the time. Having read such good reports, I was immensely disappointed and can see no reason to revisit. It's a perfectly fine pub, but with an unexciting ale offering unfortunately.

Still the best pub in Berkhamsted, the Rising Sun has a lovely location next to the canal and a couple of locks. The front bar is tiny and only has a couple of tables plus space to stand at the bar. There is a further small room adjoining this, with a corridor leading off to the toilets and an outdoor drinking space. Bass & Oxford (formerly Shotover) Prospect were the only 2 real ales. I have a fond memory of a lengthy cider list, including several I hadn't previously had, the last time I visited here in 2016. Whilst the cider list is still good, there was nothing that would have been new for me this time. The full list was Weston's Old Rosie & Family Reserve, Saxby's Traditional, Original, Blackcurrant Cider, Cherry Cider, Plum Cider, Cloudy Rhubarb Cider & Cloudy Rhubarb Cider, Lilley's Mango Cider & Gwynt y Ddraig Two Trees Perry. Craft beers were Beavertown Gamma Ray & Neck Oil, Harbour Daymer, Unity Wheel Up & Wander Beyond Opiliones. The Prospect was nice enough and at 12%, the Opiliones was also a very enjoyable beer. It was a bit quieter in here than usual, which at least helped us to get to the bar and take a good look at the beers. When it gets crowded, the bar area can feel like a very cramped space and you can easily get rushed into picking the wrong beer or cider!

Classic canal-side pub, albeit in a town rather than being out in a more remote rural location. Seating available in the compact bar, side 'lounge' and back room - all as traditional as one would expect. Four handpumps on the counter, dispensing Purity Mad Goose (£4.50), Shepherd Neame's Spitfire and Amber from Otter, plus a cider (with others listed as available).