please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Funny - when I said that some time back all the 'regulars' said I was 'mistaken'. Wonder where they drink now ?
anonymous - 20 Dec 2012 23:22 |
Its no longer really a pub, its a restaurant with a tiny bar. Snobby landlord, over priced pretentious food. Over priced beer
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At last got myself up to try out this wonderful pub fine real ales, and wonderful food.Great friendly family run pub restaurant atmosphere. Landlord is tall skinny German, landlady is Greek they have two adopted sons one from Madagascar the other from Bermuda neither can speak English but that's not a problem.I just wish I did not have 6 cans of tennants before I arrived I could have remembered more about my visit. Still next week I am going to try the Adam&Eve just down the road, I have been told its run by a team of midgets on stilts who sleep in the loft at night will post that review next week after I have done my community service
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Drinkers seem to be pretty thin on the ground here these days even in the small area allocated to them - especially in the evenings. A sign of the economic situation or just that the area isn't one for a pub type bar ? The beer quality (Doom Bar in the last couple of instances) isn't quite what it was either, though still far better than any alternatives locally. I suppose one can't blame them as there isn't the return in a standard pub bar these days. Wonder where the old 'late' drinkers go these days then ?
anonymous - 27 Feb 2011 16:38 |
Well can't go wrong in this place. Sure its geared towards eating but still friendly enough to have a decent pint of ale. Staff can't do enough for you. Youngs was fine. Not cheap. Very good atmosphere worth paying the extra for in an area totally devoid of any other decent pubs.
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I'd read through the reviews before visiting this pub, but somehow missed the comments about the steep hill! After walking the wrong way up the A1 for 20 minutes from Apex Corner, I finally found the right road only to see the hill gradually get steeper and steeper! On a hot day like yesterday, I must have looked a right state to the Italian landlady who was greeting people. I cooled down with the cider of choice - Bulmers. Real ales on offer were Adnams Bitter, Sharps Doom Bar and Youngs Bitter. The small public bar is fantastic. However, as previous posters have stated, its one table does not accommodate many drinkers, whilst the remaining tables in other rooms are reserved for diners. The bar area has a couple of old paintings of the pub. Outdoor tables at the front are also available for drinkers. The owners appear to like dogs and welcome other dogs visiting with their owners. A really nice public bar with a 'villagey' feel. But I take the point that others have made that this place is now primarily run as a Italian restaurant. It's last entry in the Good Beer Guide was in 2007. But I would still recommend paying a visit here. But make sure you catch the bus (there is a timetable to the right of the bar, but you may have already had to negotiate the hill by the time you see this)!
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Come on, 'fess-up you two ( stableboy and shalin) you're on the payroll aren't you.
Looking at your reviews, you've never been anywhere else.
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Undoubtely the best pub/restaurant in NW London. The new owners have lifted the establishment to new heights whilst retaining the oldworldly charm and character. Unfortunately too many pubs now have lost their atmosphere and resemble hotel foyers and unfriendly staff. It is pleasing the locals have remained and indeed still stand in the way at the bar, predominately at weekends,whilst staff manouver amongst them with food. It is a pleasure to listen to their jovial banter and indeed I haved shared an odd joke with them. Good luck to the ongoing success of this true Local.
NB I havent seen much of "Snarling Mallard" lately ! (musn't be local)
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Without doubt the best pub in the area. I haven't had a bad night in the Sun. Can't understand the moaners. Still, I suppose you can't please all of the people all of the time. I say "Bravo!" to the Rising Sun. If you like to drink alone try the Adam and Eve. Oh, sorry, the Adam and Eve had to shut down. No customers!
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Not much of an atmosphere but good food and lovely inside.
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Decided I'd bite the bullet and see if the place was still a pub - silly me... Monday night it was closed.
anonymous - 30 Jan 2010 23:56 |
Still the best pub in Mill Hill. Venture to other local establishments at your peril.
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Decent enough boozer, and while the food sounded nice, too pricy for pub grub. So, had a pack of crisps with my pint and headed off again.
Full marks for trying something a bit different, though.
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penso che un sogno cosl, non ritorni mai piy
mi dipingevo le mani e la faccia di blu
poi d4improvviso venivo dal vento rapito
e cominciavo a volare nel cielo infinito.
volare, oho
cantare, ohohoho
nel blu, dipinto di blu
felice di stare lassy
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The Colonel ? Yet another new creation especially for the Rising Sun. Still you can be sure Newton's third will eventually come in to play at some time.
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Last weekend...first time in here in a long time. New management...Italian? Had an excellent meal with the family. I had stopped going to 'pubs' as there are so few left anymore. However, upon leaving I noticed a very good-humoured crowd in the small bar area who I assume are 'locals'. Overall, a very pleasant experience. Unfortunately I couldn't linger but am curious and will return for 'a drink'. Wife already asking when we can eat there again...well done Roberto and Amanda. (How often do you go to a pub or restaurant for a meal and remember the owners names!)
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Sure you're not confusing London with Southend topboy? There have been quite a few of those foreign Johnnies in London for quite a few years now. Bet you drink Carling in the Red Lion in Benidorm!
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Probabilmente tentato di comunicare con Topboy in Inglese, ma a giudicare dai suoi commenti qui e altrove sul sito, probabilmente pensava che fosse da una terra lontana. Gisapintalargaswiftlike....neiceupmuvverbran.......maibeeitsbecozi'malundenar....cheerup topboy - you've been spending too long in the Three Hammers! ;-)
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very overpriced and being spoken to like im in italy FORGET IT its london
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GHOSTofSTAN - by the way STAN would not approve of your comments! - is entirely wrong. I'm as common as muck and have been made most welcome. True, some of the customers are millionaires, but others - like myself - are multi-millionaires. All are welcome!
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Now run by snobs for the benefit of the pretentious middle classes.
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Apologies for a slip of the finger. Of course, what I meant to type was a 'form' of meditation. Toodle Pip!
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I'm glad to report that the Risng Sun is still a local pub - as well as whatever else it may be. Worries that the new emphasis on food might spoil the 'pub atmosphere' have proven to have been unfounded. Au contraire, the steady to-and-fro lends itself to a deeper contemplative mood...a from of meditation, no less.
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What great colourful exchanges regarding This Pub, the new owners should be proud of themselves... Apart from visiting this Pub I shall log on regularly to follow the banter on beerintheevening...
paddi - 26 Sep 2009 16:56 |
I've been everywhere, Man. I've been everywhere.
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Upon the humble working man The Sun has finally set.
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Snarling_Mallard's not a bad old bird. I think I understand his position - it�s certainly true that pubs have been under enormous pressure in London. His allusion to the pub companies is pertinent. As a case in point, The Rising Sun was suffering particularly badly as a result of declining numbers of regular beer-drinkers. Food was not bringing in the punters. It is doubtful, given the tied relationship of the pub to Punch, that beer could have 'saved' the place. What we have now is a very busy local establishment. Lots of locals - i.e. people who actually live locally, as well as those trekking to the pub - have returned, or in many cases ventured into the place for the first time. Their experiences, from what they tell me, have been generally very positive. Of course, you can't please all of the people all of the time, but I for one am glad that the pub has a new lease of life. Cheers!
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Well in this fickle world we are all prone to occasional mistakes and differences. You have found your personal nirvana in your Italian bistro I have lost my traditional English pub. I know there are one or two people who can't accept that some of us have a different opinion to theirs about that. Much of the problem lies deeper with the pub companies and other vested interests making it impossible for a local drinkers pub to be viable especially in the London area. I just took umbrage to some of the untrue comments. Among the top 20 listed pubs every one I have a comment against is a positive one. A pub that is worthy of a place in the top 20 can weather the odd critical comment and has comments from established contributors around the country not a few locals trying to bounce it up the charts. Whenever that happens then somene (in this case me) is bound to highlight it. I may be wrong and the place may end up in the top of the charts on it's own merit but take a serious look at the list of pubs there... the Sun is nowhere in that league... it has drawn in regular diners but it has lost some of it's regular drinkers - and not just the odd angry duck. Pub ? - how many pubs do you have to ask if it's okay to sit at a table ? Sorry but that is one of the quintessential differences between a pub and a restaurant/diner. My comments about the place have been generally positive but however much the current encumbents wish to retain that 'pub' element in my mind and a few others 'it isn't a pub anymore'. Best of luck and enjoy your exalted status as the few who can hover round the bar.
anonymous - 31 Jul 2009 04:35 |
Are Snarling_Mallard and stemginger one and the same? Snarling_Mallard can't spell either - what does 'prooving' mean? And what exactly is a 'psyhciatrist'? Maybe he has the multiple personality? Whoever he is, he can't be all bad if he visits the Sun occassionally. Brilliant 'pub', 'restaurant' or whatever else you want to call it. Au revoir.
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Laughable really... but thanks for prooving my point. Incidentally what does your psyhciatrist reckon about the multiple personality thing... should the general public be worried about any of them ?
anonymous - 26 Jul 2009 12:14 |
Bye Bye Snarling_Mallard. Bye Bye
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When I look through the comments again I actually wonder if the place does become more of a pub whether I'd actually like to share barspace with the Nouveau Clique that seems to have arisen. Woe betide anyone who has a different view of the new set up to them and the comment regarding 'true locals' is a bit Royston Vasey. With three new entities created especially to bump up the ratings I feel they are annoyed at my mark scuppering their brown nosing efforts to push this place into the top 20. What is the point of trying to attract drinkers to the place if there is nowhere for them to go?
anonymous - 21 Jul 2009 18:25 |
I will not have my smelling corected! I would piont out that I rarly make shelling mistacks! I am a spead tipist and therfor make the odd tipo!! Have a good pint! Cheers!
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Oh Dear..seemed to have ruffled a few feathers over this one. Well for those looking for a positive comment here goes.... this place is now probably the best place to eat in Mill Hill - they undoubtedly serve the best real ale in the area - the people who run it are charming and friendly and take pride in what they do. However a place where every available table is RESERVED for DINERS can not really be classed as a pub. Those going for a drink have the choice of jostling at the bar with the afternoon clique or standing outside with the traffic and the smokers. Maybe there are occassions when it does resemble a pub but on six or seven visits it so far has been very definitely a dining establishment. The place is just TOO small to be a bistro AND a pub.
anonymous - 9 Jul 2009 17:52 |
Not been here for a few years. Very impressed. Had a couple of pints on a sunny day. Service very friendly. Saw a few old faces from my time in the neighborhood - that was nice. Food looked good. Will drag the posse here soon. Need a change from my Hampstead watering hole.
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I agree entirely with Mr Stemginger's comments. However, must point out that 'inteligent' should be 'intelligent'. Don't worry about the 'don'tt'. Sorry old boy.
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There is no question that this is the best managed pub in Mill Hill with quality kept beers and decent food. If you want the other pubs to improve their service, ales and food then all managers should be invited here for a training course. It is quite evident that the people running this place are:
1) Inteligent
2) Used to dealing with people
3) Happy to be doing what they are doing.
4) Caring for their own business
I don'tt see this as a pub lost but as a pub refound. I do hope this continues.
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Fine characterful country style pub in Mill Hill Village approx a mile or so away from Mill Hill Broadway, up, as has already been mentioned, a rather steep hill.
The pub has a central kiosk style servery which is entered through a big oak door. This central bar area has low ceilings and a flagstone floor. On the right is a cosy small snug, also with a low ceiling. To the left is a larger room, which appears to have been recently redecorated to produce a bit of a drawing room feel. This appears to be mainly used by diners. In a separate adjoining barn-like building to the right, with its own entrance, is another restaurant area.
The pub is situated opposite a small village green - note the old style traditional tall village sign - at a T junction at the top of Highwood Hill. Unfortunately, by rural standards, this is quite a busy road junction, which reminds you that you're not actually in the countryside at all really even though the pub and its setting could well otherwise lead you to think so. On my recent Saturday lunchtime visit, it seemed as though every 4 x 4 Landrover / Discovery etc in the neighbourhood had driven past at least twice.
It's a former Ind Coope pub - note several fine paintings and pictures of the pub in the bar area.
The pub is listed in CAMRA's London Regional Inventory of Unspoilt Interiors. It doesn't seem to have been in the annual CAMRA Good Beer Guide for a number of years, although I did notice two (?) stickers in the window for 2003.
Real ales on during my visit were Adnams, Abbott and GK IPA. The Adnams was in good form and cost � 3 per pint. I suspect these are the regular offerings - no other pump clips seen anywhere to suggest other beers served instead.
There's outside seating at both the front and back. For the nostalgia buffs amongst us, there's outside toilets
Had I read the very recent postings below beforehand, I might not have decided to make the trek here, but I'm glad I made the effort.
I consider that this pub is well worth seeking out, whether for food or just a beer. I didn't detect any feeling that non-diners were not welcome.
If you don't fancy the walk uphill, it's bus number 251 . Transport for London have thoughtfully provided a bus stop at the top of the hill for the journey both there and back, so there's no excuse for not getting there.
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I have been using this pub since the late 1950's. It's had it's ups and downs and I've some great memories of the place. I have to say that the current management is as good as if not better than any I can recall. They have bent over backwards to get to know the 'locals' before they took over. All of us have been made most welcome. I don't understand Mr Mallard's points. Can only assume he is not a true local. Perhaps he is a CAMRA bore? There are plenty of empty pubs where he can sit, alone, if that is what he prefers. This pub is alive again!
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I fear that Snarling_Mallard may never be satisfied. I don't think he/she has ever posted a positive review of any establishment. The fact is that the Rising Sun was dying. A few - wonderful - locals propping up the bar was never going to enable it to survive; and the number of locals who did visit regularly was declining. Some nights there was nobody - NOBODY - in there for hours on end. The pub has now been taken on by a lovely family who have put heart and soul into revitalizing the old place. Yes, the food is superb - but they have made it clear that the heart of the Rising Sun is, and shall remain, the bar. I have no reason not to take them at their word. Sometimes, if busy with food - given the unique layout of the pub - it can get a little intimate! I've never been made to feel 'in the way'. But then, I realise that 'clogging up' the bar ain't such a good idea sometimes. Give and take a little! I'm extremely pleased to see the pub thriving again. Get with it Mallard. Ever thought of changing your monica - 'Smiling_Mallard' perhaps? All the best mate!
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The interior has been pleasantly tidied, the food on offer looks good and the beer is in excellent condition. If you are looking for a cosy little Italian restaurant then this place is ideal. If, however, you are looking for an old fashioned local pub then I'm afraid you will have to look elsewhere. With the raison d'etre of the place firmly food orientated people 'just having a beer' tend to find themsleves 'in the way' and this rather slick and polished restaurant operation doesn't really lend itself to the 'old days' of people gathered round the bar for the evening. Another pub lost.
anonymous - 30 Jun 2009 16:30 |
A charming local pub, which now benefits enormously from having ownership that care about beer, food, presentation and all those important things a great pub must have.
Having been void of atmosphere for far too long, The Rising Sun is now back on track.
The beer, Adnams, Abbot and Youngs is still superb, now complimented with an impressive food menu, which one would more likely see in a good restaurant.
The ever increasing number of locals returning here and staying, and new-comers comments on their enjoyment of the evening is proof of the cordial nature this favourite of mine has re-achieved.
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What a great surprise it was to find this lovely little pub after the dross that I had to endure in the rest of Mill Hill. It looks like a classic picture postcard village pub complete with small picket fence and big heavy doors with old cottage latches to match. There is a blue Taylor Walker heritage inn award plaque adorning the front wall and there are some picnic tables in the small front garden. There is also some more seating in the nice back garden where the toilets are also located in an outhouse.
As you walk in the front door you�ll find the small bar directly in front of you and you�ll be greeted by the extremely friendly landlady. Youngs Ordinary and Abbot Ale were both available, but I decided to have a couple of pints of Adnams which was very good. To the left of the bar there is a good sized and simply decorated room with a fireplace and some tables. To the right of the bar there is a much smaller room with a couple of tables crammed in.
I thought that the locals were very friendly and I would love to go here again, but next time I will get a bus rather than try to scale the Hill.
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good pub, bit out of the way but worth the effort...Orange Tree further up the lane is good for sunday dinners.....
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Went for a couple of pints on Christmas day. As described below a nice looking and cosy old pub with open fires and decent Adnams and Youngs. Abbot also on offer. Locals seemed friendly as did the helpful landlady. A nice spot and a semi rural feel for a London borough.
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this is a very pretty little pub, all hanging baskets and wisteria, with nice inside as well and good reasonable priced food, staff were polite enough and locals at the bar were not menacing ( I went in as a lone female and got no smirks or stares!!)
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Stumbled across this gem at the weekend. It's a small village pub at the top of a hill. Was quiet when I arrived, but the barmaid and locals were friendly. Small intimate bar with a wonderful little room up a couple of steps. The Youngs was perfect. Didn't think there were any pubs like this left in London!
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Still the best pint of real ale in NW7 but the pub is dying. Regulars are becoming thin on the ground and the old ambience is lacking.
anonymous - 18 Aug 2008 19:45 |
THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER......................... Good News for people who like this place as a pub, the current ignorant, crass and rude encumbent will shortly be leaving the establishment. It just goes to show that you can have the best pub in the world but if you have an idiot running it then you will never make any money. Hopefully the owner will learn from this mistake. I pity wherever in New Zealand this character ends up in. What kind of person who manages an establishment denegrates his own staff in front of customers, tells people his chef is an incompetent moron, hates the country he is working in and despises it's people ? As the saying goes "GOOD RIDDANCE TO BAD RUBBISH". One reaps what one sews. Treat your customers like dirt and surprisingly they don't come back.
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This used to be a busy and friendly locals pub in the evenings but now, largely due to the morose and miserable person in charge of the place, nearly all of the evening clientelle have decanted to other establishments in the area. The beer quality has nosedived too and the pub no longer appears in the good beer guide as a result. Nice pub, but you need to have someone running it who actually gives a damn. It's now an ideal place to go in the evening if you like your own company (though not if you fancy something to eat or drink).
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I had to go to Mill Hill today for work and popped in here at lunchtime. It is a very pleasant little pub with an arts & craft feel about it but presumably older. A friendly local opened the door for me with a �you don�t want to be doing all that door staff� - droll.
I enjoyed a pint of Adnams and a tasty meal. I shall probably be working in the area again and I look forward to a return visit.
There was an actor drinking in the bar whose face was familiar but whose name I can�t for the life of me remember.
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small cosy pub that makes you feel rural and out of london, good bitter on tap. car park can get busy on weekends/lunchtimes. food is of a good quality and beats the adam and eve to best pub food in mill hill.
regulars seem friendly and the cosy cubby holes and decoration is nice. more expensive than some but more care is taken with the quality. occasionally plays quite music such as jazz, mostly in the taste of the regulars. becks now on tap and aparently a carvery for sunday lunches.
A fine pub that will calm you down and tack you out of london without leaving the capital.
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The ONLY pub in NW7 if you like real ale.
anonymous - 2 Sep 2007 01:15 |
Technically my local (refuse to have anything to to with Jeremiah Bullfrogs), and the only thing which makes living in Mill Hill bearable. It serves Youngs Ordinary. The food is often quite good. The regulars seem jolly. Appealing barmaids. And Harry Potter's stunt-double always serves with a smile. Physically and metaphorically perched high above the deserts of North West London.
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I was in this pub last week when the sun was shining brightly and it was 25 degrees. You are actually in London NW7 but it seems as though you are in an English village a long way from the smoke. Good food and ales kept in good condition.
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As a tall person this pub is more dangerous than most for me after a few beers - I can imagine a few mysterious bruises appearing the next day from table/knee incidents and maybe even head/doorframe incidents.
Nonetheless, very nice, quaint; food portions were good and the beer seemed pretty good, but why have 3 very similar beers like Adnams, Pride and Youngs? Why not something that tastes a little different? I'm sure the market is there for it.
I also think this one will be lovely and welcoming in the winter, even with the outside toilets! I will definitely be going back to this one.
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A decent, old-fashioned (in a good way!) pub. Cask ales, nice food.
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clicky.
anonymous - 28 Jul 2006 16:01 |
a great little pub good food and friendly. but the landlord (Mary) has moved on to the Adam and eve on the ridgeway ,hope it stays the same with the new oweners, or im off to the adam
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This is one of my favourite pubs and pretty local.
Great beer, food and staff.
Beer garden is a good place to be on a hot Sunday afternoon.
Open fires in the winter, wooden beams and outside toilets - what else could you ask for?
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This pub is my local, excellent food, large portions. Lovely pint of Adnams bitter. Friendly owner and staff. No jukebox, no gaming machines. A throwback to how pubs used to be. Would recommend to anyone
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This is my local, no juke box no gaming machines, lovely pint of Youngs. Excellent food, large rear patio for the summer evenings. Never seen any trouble there, ideal for those wanting a quiet drink in an historic pub.
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This is a gem! The actual pub building dates back four hundred years. Adnams and Youngs complement Greene King Abbot Ale here, and the homecooked food is absolutely exquisite. Big portions too. I visited on 5th November 2002 and found the pub to be very friendly and welcoming even if it is a little hard to get to. Do try it - it's definitely worth the effort of finding.
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