Pubs and Bars / A-Z Bristol pub crawl
A-Z Bristol Pub Crawl: The Rising Sun, Ashton Gate
A group of men huddle in the doorway of the Rising Sun, smoking cigarettes and sheltering from the sideways rain.
It is evident that these pub goers are well acquainted with the staff inside. First names are called out across the establishment soon after the men stub out their cigarettes out and walk through its doors.
On match days this traditional pub, located a stone’s throw from Ashton Gate Stadium, is filled with Bristol City Football Club and Bristol Bears fans.
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The Bristol City fan memorabilia which fill the walls are a constant reminder of its historic links with the football team.
Despite the lack of fans on a quiet Tuesday evening, the black and white team photos and fan memorabilia which fill the walls are a constant reminder of its historic links with the football team.
The Rising Sun, which dates back at least 1855, has been serving pints to the people of Bristol for more than a century.
It was once part of a cluster of brewery buildings that belonged to Baynton’s Somerset Brewery, which later became the Ashton Gate Brewery. It now belongs to the Craft Union company.
After closing its doors in 2021, it has since reopened and has undergone a refurbishment which includes a new sound system.
The bright lights and its spacious rooms means the pub lacks a feeling of cosiness, but it is a haven for for playing pool, watching the football on its many TV screens and catching up with friends.
After closing its doors in 2021, the pub has since reopened and has undergone a refurbishment
The pub may have been lacking cosiness, but it didn’t lack friendliness.
“We’ve got 16 days ahead of us like this now.”, a man with a Irish accent acknowledges the downpour outside with raised eyebrows.
His accent stands out amongst the array of thick Bristolian accents deep in conversation at their tables.
The Rising Sun is a haven for for playing pool, watching the football on its many TV screens and catching up with friends.
Netting attached to the ceiling in front of the bar holds red and white balloons, inside three of them hold a free pint token, which locals get a chance of winning at the weekends.
The Rising Sun has a jam packed social schedule, with events like karaoke, ale club and charity duke box held day and night. Each Saturday the sound of live music fills the pub.
The pub boasts a wide range of draft beers, spirits and zero alcohol spirits too. Half a pint of Guinness came to a delightful £1.85.
A decent-sized pub garden lies empty as the rain batters the city. It may have been raining, but inside the doors of the Rising Sun the forecast was sunny.
The Rising Sun, 21 Ashton Road, Ashton Gate, Bristol, BS3 2EA
The Rising sun Ashton | Facebook
All photos: Rachel Sutherland
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