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The Rising Sun, Basingstoke
Basingstoke
RG21 5TB
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Rising Sun
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.
On 23rd October 2024
- rating: 5
[User has posted 3040 recommendations about 3038 pubs]
Moby Duck left this review about The Rising Sun
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.
On 3rd August 2024
- rating: 6
[User has posted 2151 recommendations about 2118 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about The Rising Sun
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.
On 15th February 2022
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3641 recommendations about 3576 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about Rising Sun
A bit of a clean-up here (hooray) and a re-naming, but essentially remains as was. Three ales: Courage Best, Black Sheep Bitter and GK Old Nutty Hen (pretty good). Fair enough, quite busy on my Friday visit. Given the slide downhill of the Queens Head, it’s good to see this one open again for the thirsty commuter.
Reviews as Way Inn
May 2012
A recent re-visit found the beer selection to have evolved - TT Landlord, Longdog, Oakleaf Hole Hearted, GK OSH and. Abbot. The Longdog was good and Hole Hearted absolutely spot-on. However the interior is looking pretty grubby (eg the furnishings are getting very tatty) and the pub, never the most light/welcoming at the best of times due its position, feels a bit dingy and desperate, what with the lights not switched on and the lack of homely touches on a grey day. A coat of paint, some new upholstering and half a dozen sets of new light fittings really would do wonders. There’s at least one real fire on the go now so there’s potential. This could be as good (maybe even better) as the Queens Arms if management want it to be. Rated 7
November 2008
A pub that’s getting popular with the younger crowd and is also becoming well-known for its beer. There’s usually Abbot, Deuchars, Landlord and Palmers available and they are in pretty good shape. Quite a large interior, the inside downstairs I always find a bit dingy – it’s better up the steps as there’s a bit more natural light coming in. The beer garden is functional but well-done. The jukebox (decent selection) music is often pointlessly on the loud side, perhaps the landlord is deaf. The food available (posh pub grub with garnish, usually) is pretty good in my experience. Staff are usually pretty good as well. Overall, I'd recommend a visit here if you are in the town. Rated 8
On 13th October 2014
- rating: 7
[User has posted 5552 recommendations about 5533 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
dave stray left this review about The Way Inn
Abbot Ale and Timothy Taylor are the main ales available. Appears to hold occasional music nights. Pub is large and never seems to get very busy here.
On 7th June 2013
- rating: 9
[User has posted 265 recommendations about 183 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
dave stray left this review about The Way Inn
Many ales - as many as 6 at one time. Also the Jukebox is good fun.
On 15th August 2010
- rating: 5
[User has posted 265 recommendations about 183 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Old Boots left this review about The Way Inn
Much extended from the old long thin place I remember from years ago. The front bar has been opened out and is quite a pleasant and comfortable place for a pint or three while persuring the old film posters, although there is continual music from an admittedly impressive jukebox. The back room appears to be largely given over to food and there is a garden out the back. Four pumps with two mainstreams, one going that way and one smaller brewers ware, that is Abbot, Deuchars, Landlord and Palmers, in pretty good condition. Close to the station and thankfully a bit away from the desolate town centre. Mixed bunch of customers ranging from Popley chavs to middle class diners.
On 12th November 2009
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3599 recommendations about 3279 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Mark Brennan left this review about The Way Inn
For me the best pub by far in Basingstoke's town centre.
The food is freshly prepared daily, not like some of the other chain bars that make up the rest around Festival Place and they have a good selection of ales and lagers on tap.
It has a warm and welcoming environment and has definitely shaken off the image created by it's predecessor the Rising Sun.
Weekday lunchtimes and Friday nights can be busy, but if you want a drink and/or a meal and a chat in a nice surroundings then this is your place.
On 16th September 2008
- rating: 10
[User has posted 1 recommendations about 1 pubs]