The Rising Sun, Berkhamsted

This is a proper pub. It sells a variety of good beers and ciders (and no doubt other tasty stuff that I did not try). It isn't part of a chain and thank God for that.

Inside it has a slightly worn, comfortable style, with good character, which would be cozy in the autumn or winter. The staff are cordial and the publican friendly and clearly well-suited for the job. It is also in a rather lovely spot, right next to a lock on the Grand Union Canal, and also has a nice little beer garden so a good place to come for an outdoor drink in the summer.

It is true, what one of the other reviewers said, that it has more appeal than The Boat, further up the canal towards Berkhamsted town. However, whereas the Rising Sun does not generally offer food, The Boat does, which is unexceptional quality but may be a commercial advantage.

Having said that, as it happened, on the day of our visit, The Riser (as it is known locally I understsand) was serving the most perfect ploughman's lunch, as part of a beer festival it had on. The ploughman's had the virtue of being the only thing on the menu, which appealed to me for its simplicity. It comprised a massive hunk of freshly-baked bread, several generous helpings of English cheese (Oxfordshire Blue, Cornish Brie and some local Cheddar), some locally-produced organic ham, cooked in a marmalade crust on the premises, home-made chutney, half an apple and half a large pickled onion. Brilliant. If I hadn't felt a bit dozy afterwards from the beer and sunshine, I am sure I could have ploughed several hectares fueled by that.

When it was served up, the landlord ran through the items included with obvious relish and when I complimented him afterwards he said he liked to think it was 'a proper ploughman's'. Indeed it was. Apparently it had gone down very well with other punters too and may become a regular fixture. As someone who lives nearby, I do hope so. I will certainly be returning in hope of eating another and drinking some more good beer by the canal.

All in all, it is well worth a visit and the extra few minutes walk from the town.

7 Jun 2009 20:54