The Rising Sun, Basingstoke

Situated on a hill not far from the railway station, this is a friendly community local. There is a large sub-divided room to the front, with another area containing a pool table up 5 steps to the rear. There is a reasonable size garden behind that. TVs were showing horse racing at one end and Premier League football at the other. Music was also playing, which created a bit of a din. Our visit coincided with the Sunday roast dinner service (£12). We didn't see anybody eating whilst we were there, but did witness the remains of a Sunday lunch on our table! There were plenty of Halloween decorations and the pub was advertising both a children's Halloween party and an adult one too. Other events included a meat raffle on a Sunday, open mic night, karaoke and killer pool. Proper Job is the regular ale. Other beers were Atlantic & Jail Ale. Although, it seems from the previous review that all 3 beers are now pretty much permanent. Alternatively, John Smith's was on keg. Ciders were Inch's & Strongbow. Locals seemed like a friendly working class bunch. They apologised for having the horse racing on the TV. Dogs are allowed if on a lead and children are allowed in until 7pm.

A locals pub roughly split into two areas with a raised area leading to the beer garden a further few steps up.The seating is basic but of a mixed nature, there is a dartboard near the main bar area plus a couple of TV screens showing the Olympics on my visit. Three handpumps on the bar offered Dartmoor Jail Ale, Sharps Atlantic and St Austell Proper Job, the later being in NBSS 2.5 territory. Nothing to special here but a decent locals pub all the same.

A fairly plain but pleasant pub just up the hill from the station. The general feel is of a facelifted locals' pub, without being over-modernised. The large main room is knocked though to a darts area and a snug with a TV, while behind the bar is a raised back room with garden at rear. The only draught beer on was a very drinkable Andwell Muddler, with 6X and Proper Job clips reversed. Note the pub is up for sale so things might change.