AN HISTORIC pub is set to reopen this spring, with an emphasis on good food and a return to its original name.
The Sun Inn in Castle Street is to become The Rising Sun when it welcomes customers in March.
The 17th century inn closed after ‘one last shindig’ in May 2022.
Now owned by The Heartwood Collection, for an asking price thought to be in the region of £750,000, it will feature a menu devised by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc.
And a spokesperson for the Heartwood Collection said the company had checked out the inn’s heritage, liaising with Reading Museum, whose staff clarified it was previously called The Rising Sun before being renamed as The Sun.
“We’re really looking forward to restoring and refurbishing the pub and, as part of this work, we felt it fitting to revert to the original name of the pub,” the spokesperson said.
Guests can expect characterful furniture and comfy seating, with space for 150 people inside, and under planning approval granted last year, 100 covers outside in a new sheltered walled garden.
Richard Ferrier, Heartwood Collection managing director said: “We are delighted to have acquired the Sun Inn.
“It is an historic property in one of our favourite towns.
“We are confident that we will be able to restore this beautiful building to its former glory and with it reverting to its original name, The Rising Sun, we believe we will ensure its future at the heart of the Reading community.
“We can’t wait to get going.”
The planning permission included an extension to provide enhanced cooking facilities.
The opening of The Rising Sun is part of the company’s plan to grow to over 60 inns and brasseries by 2027. It currently runs 20 Heartwood Inns pubs and 14 Brasserie Blanc restaurants.
It is backed by the Alchemy Partners investment company, with the Heartwood Collection recently acquiring £100 million of funding to realise its expansion plans, including to Reading.
At the end of November, The Heartwood Collection submitted a plan to Reading Borough Council for new paint, signage and the name change to The Rising Sun. This can be seen by searching for reference 231734 in the council’s planning portal.
