Rising Sun, Fitzrovia, W1

You can see that this is yet another classic Victorian pub from the architecture of the building. I believe that it has always retained the name of The Rising Sun, as you can see the name enshrined in the floor mosaic at the corner entrance to the pub. The high ceilings with their Lincrusta style decoration are typical of late Victorian decor, but there’s little if anything else left inside from that period. Some of the dark wood panelling on the back wall looks quite attractive, although I doubt whether it’s been there since Victorian times. It’s got the typical look of a Punch Pubco pub – faux chalkboards etc. There’s the usual mix of seating; stools, tables and chairs, and a few high stools and high tables. I didn’t spot any sofas though. There were a couple of widescreen TVs high up on the walls, typically showing Sky Sports and muted. The clientele seemed to be mainly city workers probably late back from lunch. They had London Pride, Doom Bar, Young’s London Gold, and Adnam’s Bitter on, with a fifth pump not in use, during my midweek late lunchtime visit. I doubt whether you would visit this pub just for the ales, or for the typical Punch Pubco ambience, but it’s OK for a pint if you happen to be passing.

This L-shaped pub had 4 real ales on and a selection of standard and premium lager during my last visit. I found the barman that served me to be terse and the atmosphere to be nonexistent. Granted, I wasn't expecting great surroundings as this is in effect a high street pub with a transient crowd, but there are better in the area.