The Rising Sun, Epsom

Curious little pub in a residential backstreet with a weatherboarded front and a brick building behind. The interior features a lot of dark wood, with the bar to the front and a dining area behind. Draught beers were Youngs Special and Ordinary - sorry, Original - and Courage Best.

Situated in a quiet backwater a short stroll from the town centre, this is an attractive old pub with well worn boarded floors, low ceilings and lower panelled walls. The bar is slightly forward of central and directly ahead on entering, it then extends alongside an open corridor leading to the rear area. The counter is in dark wood and leans slightly outwards, there is a brass leaning rail at counter top height as well as little hooks to hang jackets etc. Two banks of four pumps repeated with Youngs Bitter, Special, Tribute (£3.55) and Sambrook's Wandle. The front area and side section with drinking shelf form the bar with the rear portion being more of a restaurant with tables pre-laid. This area is effectively divided into two by a large central see through fireplace and chimney with stacked logs piled up adjacent. Décor consists mainly of mounted blue and white plates, framed cartoons, mirrors and a large antique looking clock. There were vases of flowers distributed here and there, and ruched brown blinds above the windows. There is a small front veranda with a couple of benches facing the street and to the rear a large sunny grassy garden with picnic benches. Music played at a tolerable volume, I didn't see any sign of a TV. The food menu was slightly upmarket from pub grub however this is certainly still a pub, not just a restaurant and a pretty decent one too.