ONE of Reading’s oldest pubs could reopen next year with a new name – already in use by a community arts centre.
The Sun Inn closed in May 2022. It has since been acquired by The Heartwood Collection, which operates brasseries that serve a classical French menu devised by Raymond Blanc.
The Castle Street pub dates back to the 17th century.
According to the Historic England website, it contains cellars which are reported to be the remains of Reading Old Gaol, where criminals were locked up for their offences in the early modern period.
As part of its plans to revamp the site, it wants Reading Borough Council to grant permission to install new white and black paint on the listed building and a swinging sign that would contain a sun face and the Heartwood Inn lettering.
The new name would be The Rising Sun.
This is also the name of a derelict pub on Forbury Road, as well as a very active arts centre in Silver Street.
Changes already approved include an extension to provide greater kitchen facilities, upgrades to the garden and the swallowing up of car parking space were approved in October.
Plans for the exterior design can be viewed by typing reference 231734 into Reading Borough Council’s planning portal.
