The Rising Sun, Bristol

Blackthorn _ left this review about The Rising Sun

Located in a residential area in Frampton Cotterell, this isn’t perhaps somewhere that will get too much in the way of passing trade, but it was nonetheless was pretty much full to capacity on our recent Friday afternoon visit, with many of the punters seeming to be post-work van drivers, although not exclusively so and there were also a few couples of mixed ages in there as well. It’s currently the Bristol and District CAMRA pub of the year, so that may perhaps account for some of the trade.

Internally there is a long and narrow semi-open room running along the front of the pub which is probably the cosiest part, and beyond this a U-shape arrangement wrapped around the bar counter. The front part had old painted wallpaper on the ceiling, blue patterned carpet on the floor and fitted padded red banquette seating all long the front wall, whilst matching upholstered stools provided the remainder of the seating. There was a piano in one corner and various odds and ends on a shelf including earthenware jugs, glass bottles and so on. On the whole it looks slightly dated perhaps, but not at all unpleasant. The main bar was separated from this by exposed stone walling, and felt a little more rough and ready with old flagstones on the floor and a small stone fireplace with a wood burning stove off to one side. Seating here was fairly limited, with just a few stools scattered around. There was also a small snug up a few steps to the left with what looked to be a dining area beyond this, as well as a a large conservatory extension to one side.

Beers on tap were Hop Union’s Moose River, Maiden Voyage and Bonville Pale, Tangent Bitter & Twisted and Little Avon Session IPA. Ciders meanwhile were Dry Blackthorn and Thatcher’s Gold. Personally I wouldn’t rate this as the best pub in the Bristol area, but it’s nonetheless pleasant enough and worth stopping by if you’re in the area.

On 16^th July 2025 - rating: 7
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