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THE RISING SUN FREEHOUSE

About Us

A traditional Kent pub with centuries of history, warm hospitality and a passion for great food and drink.

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The Rising Sun Freehouse

Your Hosts

Chris and Carole Leaper, the current owners, have kept the traditional feel of the building but combined it with a modern, welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.

Our aim is to create a pub and restaurant that is a haven from the everyday pressures of life, with a relaxed atmosphere offering quality food and service.

We always aim to please and provide service with a smile.

OWNERS

TRADITIONAL HERITAGE

An historic pub with roots
dating back to the 14th Century.

warm hospitality

A welcoming atmosphere
and service with a smile.

quality food & drink

Freshly prepared dishes, local ales, fine wines and spirits.

village charm

At the heart of Stourmouth’s
beautiful Kent countryside

The Rising Sun Freehouse

Centuries of History, Timeless Hospitality

The Rising Sun has a rich and fascinating history dating back more than 650 years.

1372

The first part of the building was erected during the reign of Edward the Third.  Originally a bakery, owned and worked by the Monks of the Diocese of Canterbury.

1682

The building continued as a bakery, passing through different owners until it came into the hands of Edgar Rake, Baker and Brewer.

1695

Edgar Rake was granted an ale and cider licence on 4th April 1695.  Building work was undertaken to create a much more modern structure.

1709

Jeremiah Bedley, a baker and common beer seller took over the new premises,  He was granted a licence to sell liquor and named the inn "The Rising Sun".

1776

Keeper Thomas Lucke, beer seller, baker and ferryman, arrived in 1776.  The Inn was known as the Ferryman's Inn where those who worked the ferries across the mile-wide estuary to the "Crown" (Cherry Brandy House) at Sarre, came to meet. 

1865

Until 1865, all the Inn Keepers were Bakers who worked the old bakery as well as running the Inn. The pub remained in independent hands until the turn of the nineteenth century, when it was acquired by the fore-runners of the Whitbread Brewery.  

1977

Over the years, the building underwent many changes, but the historic atmosphere remained the same. The pub was sold in 1977, and once again became a Free House.  

2001

The Rising Sun was taken over by its current owners, Chris and Carole Leaper.  The pub was extensively renovated and upgraded to a high standard, modernising the building whilst maintaining the all important country pub atmosphere.  

2013

A new large restaurant extension was opened by Chris & Carole Leaper.  Enhancing the country style theme throughout the pub and providing additional space for diners from far and wide.

Today

The Rising Sun, Stourmouth remains popular to locals and visitors alike who visit to enjoy the pub's relaxed atmosphere and delicious food with exacting high standards that currently prevail.

Visit The Rising Sun, Stourmouth today.

Enjoy a drink, or dine in a relaxed atmosphere where tradition meets modern countryside.

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Reviews

Definitely going back

The food was very tasty we all had a roast Beef medium rare the veg was tasty thr staff were very nice and attentive
Kim

Fantastic!

What a find! Fantastic friendly pub. The food was excellent as was the service. Great value for money. Good choice on the menu – it was a Sunday so in addition to roasts there were other lots of other lovely choices. The apple & Rhubarb crumble was the best I’d ever tasted and the crème brûlée with shortbread was divine. Great vegetarian choices too. All in all we will be returning!
Dawn

Best mothers day roast

Just had a lovely roast at the Rising Sun, was by far the best roast dinner we’ve had out in a very long time. Very generous portions, extremely tasty food and the staff were amazing, very attentive. The pudding wow what a cheesecake and the size was enough for 3!! Delicious would definitely recommend 😋
Jo

Great Sunday Roast

What’s not to love, Great family country pub. Popped in for a Sunday roast with the kids and was treated to a massive traditional Sunday roast with all the trimmings. Service was spot on, food was delicious and the tapped beer was a great finisher. Staff were friendly and welcoming, atmosphere was great with the fire in the background and the portions were huge.
Richard F

Delicious Food and generous portions.

Today I had lunch with a friend who often eats at the Rising Sun. I was a little nervous because the one and only time I’d been before I really didn’t like the vegetarian stroganoff I’d ordered but today was very different. Both my starter and main were delicious, so much so I’ve booked for 4 of us to go back for the xmas menu and while the other 3 are stuffing turkey etc I (the only veggie) will have exactly the same as I had today… it was that good. One other thing that impressed me was the cleanliness and lovely decor. Highly recommend. 👌
Daisy

Fabulous Sunday lunch

We stumbled across The Rising Sun when we were out for a drive and were impressed with the friendliness of the staff and the pub itself so we decided we would go back another time and have lunch. We decided to go on a Sunday for my husband’s Birthday. We were greeted on arrival by cheerful bar staff and as we were early we sat and had a drink first. The pub is lovely inside and the fairly lights adorning the walls looked absolutely beautiful and added to the cosiness of the pub. We all ordered the roast beef. It was cooked to absolute perfection. There were plenty of potatoes and vegetables and we ordered a side of cauliflower and broccoli cheese, which was also lovely. I had the baileys creme brulee for dessert which was to die for!! We all left vowing to return again.
Angela