We
had previously visited The Rising Sun, Swanmore, as our fifth outing back in 2011 when we were but a fledgling group with just 5 members. So we
felt it was time to revisit this excellent pub.
As
we are all in to fitness and health matters we decided to walk the 2
miles to the pub - this also helps to build up a thirst and offset
the expected pie and possibly pudding intake. So in various groups,
Nick, Trevor, Gordon, Stephen, Paul (Lord North) and Eric set off
from Bishops Waltham, joined by Doug at Swanmore and at the pub by
Joe who had elected to cycle over.
On
arrival at the Rising Sun we were greeted by the welcome sight of
four beers on hand pump and were informed that there was also a beer
in the barrel we could also sample - so a busy afternoon was
anticipated!
We
were all very impressed with the selection of beers, some that we had
never tasted before. There was Sharp's Doom Bar 4%, Irving Best Irving Type 42 Best 4.2% from
Portsmouth, That Old Chestnut 5.2% from Weltons Brewery in
Horsham, Tom Cat 4.7% from Red Cat Brewing, Winchester, and Golden Arrow 4.5% from Cottage Brewing in Somerset, so we got tucked in!
After
a couple of pints we decided it was time for the pie which was a
steak and ale pie served up with peas, separate chips and gravy with
additional jugs of gravy - just as we like it. It was served with a
sprig of greenery on top which was soon removed!
Overall,
everyone felt it was a good pie with a nice short crust pastry and
plenty of filling. Despite generous helpings some of us still had
room for puddings! Those that participated chose:
 |
| Rice pudding with clotted cream |
 |
| Lemon Cheesecake |
 |
| Chocolate Brownie |
 |
| Treacle pudding |
Again
all the puddings were well received and all plates cleared!
We
then slowly finished off our beers, the last one very kindly on the
house - thank you!
Overall
a very good return to the Rising Sun and many commented that it was
one of our best meetings in terms of the ambience and excellent
discussion created by good food and good beer.
We
then headed back to Bishops Waltham stopping off for some refreshment
enroute at the Brickmakers!
The
scores for the Rising Sun, gratefully compiled by Nick are:
Scores
(max of 5 in each category, 25 overall):
-
Pastry 4.25
-
Filling 4.06
-
Beer 4.53
-
Ambience 4.04
-
Value 4.20
-
Overall 21.08
The
Rising Sun is currently in 5th place out of the 9 visits this year in
what is proving to be a very close contest.
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