The Rising Sun

(bear with me) Samuel Pepys described the pub as "the heart of England". This pub lives up to that idea. Unfortunately most pubs desecrate this sentiment and spit on the magical idea of a pub. Unfriendly, zero service, overly done tasteless modern and grotty interior, unclean, unauthentic, serving thawed matter bought in from a supplier that doesn't even deserve the title of "food". Outdated menus with no consideration that food has changed in the last 60 years. If you don't want meat, unlucky, every dish has it and you had better eat at home. ... Then you find the gems like this, that honour and exceed the picture of the quintessential pub that you have in your head, and suprise you by even exceeding it in parts. Set in ancient fairytale countryside, views for 10 miles from the side of a great hill, a rustic and perfectly imperfect storied inn, it feels homely as you are warmed as much by the smiley demeanour of the people as you are by the open fire. Presented a smooth coffee, and a generously sized roast that fills the stomach and bolsters the soul. Affording you dietary options that fit the current-day demand for alternatives to animal derived dishes. I had to write this because I want to emphasise how places like this that reinvigorate your belief in a good old pub, bucking the trend of eternally disappointing, chain pubs. It is so saddening to see the state of public houses until I find places like this that could not be more opposite, and give you hope for the future of pubs. They live up to expectations you have from rose-tinted memories of good memories in good pubs. They wow you and make the effort and get so much right. It is rare it is to find these but I'm so glad when I do. They happily accommodate those who choose not to eat animal products with two vegan main options on a sunday. The roast was beautiful, perfectly roasted carrots, potatoes and parsnips. Sweet and tart red cabbage, and a nut roast that was homemade with heart, it didn't go unnoticed, incredible - I could liken the flavour it to pork even, shockingly tasty, so appreciated. Blondie dessert was wonderful, for sure the best vegan dessert I've had in a pub. Soft cookie-like blondie, chocolate kind-of-ganache, and non-dairy ice cream with candied orange pieces on top, and yet not too sweet, seriously mind-blowing. Waitress was so kind and smiley and friendly, thoughtfully tried hard to encourage us in to sit by the fire, out of the cold, which we eventually did. Greeted as we entered by wooden ceilings and beams, sturdy old flagstones underfoot, cosy atmosphere. Can't wait to return, especially to sit outside and enjoy the view over the rolling hills below and perhaps in winter in one of the bubbles with a heater inside, would be wonderful.

Beautiful location with stunning views of Wiltshire. There are pods you can dine in outside with heaters if it gets chilly. We went here for Sunday lunch. The staff were waiting for us at the door and greeted us by our names. I was really touched by that. The staff were very professional and attentive. The food was very good. I really liked that they served it all on a wooden board so you could help yourself. There is a good sized carpark and it’s dog friendly. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area and visiting beautiful Lacock.

Outstanding. This was our fourth trip to The Rising Sun. We love it and today we enjoyed the family lunch of dreams! Such friendly service, delicious food, a magnificent view in a country setting and great attention to detail, allowing our severely allergic family members to enjoy a relaxed dining experience. The children ate very well and enjoyed the play area so much that they didn’t want to leave. Looking forward to booking another meal soon. Thank you to the team for a great afternoon.

Came here with a good friend for a meal as i've never been here before. It did'nt dissapoint. The staff were very polite & attentive . Sat in the consevatory , the place was very clean & had amazing views over the country side. I opted for my usual steak with tomatoes , mushroom , chips & rocket. My friend had the chicken with boiled potatoes in a sauce with vegetables. All were deliscious & cooked perfectly. Would deffinately recomend a visit.