Centuries old Reading pub to reopen with new name

The Sun Inn, situated in Castle Street closed down in May 2022 after a ‘final shindig’ in what the previous owners called ‘our grubby palace’.

The pub has been closed ever since. But this year, plans emerged to bring it back into use as a classy eating and drinking establishment.

READ MORE: Changes on the way for Caversham pub that could become more food-focused

The Sun Inn is now owned by the Heartwood Collection, which is described as an upscale chain brasserie serving a classically French menu devised by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc.

Now the Heartwood Collection has applied to make changes to the exterior of the pub, which includes renaming it ‘The Rising Sun’ and giving it a fresh paint job.

Designs by SR Signs new white and black paint on the building, with a swinging sign being installed containing a sun face and Heartwood Inn lettering.

The designs for signage at The Sun Inn in Castle Street, Reading town centre, which could be renamed The Rising Sun. Credit: SR Signs Ltd

Plans for the exterior design can be viewed by typing reference 231734 into Reading Borough Council’s planning portal.

Changes to The Sun Inn which involved an extension to provide greater kitchen facilities, upgrades to the garden and the swallowing up of car parking space were approved in October.

READ MORE: Plan for making one of the oldest pubs in Reading into a classy brasserie approved

A sign on the door of the pub spotted in the summer stated that it was sold subject to that previous plan being approved.

It is understood The Sun Inn was sold to the Heartwood Collection for £750,000.

Advertising elevations for The Sun Inn in Castle Street, Reading, set for takeover by Heartwood Inns. Credit SR Signs Ltd / Google Maps

The pub dates back to the 17th century. According to the Historic England website, it contains cellars which are reported to be the remains of Reading Old Gaol, where criminals were locked up for their offences in the early modern period.

The renaming could prove controversial as there are already two establishments in Reading called The Rising Sun, with one being the pub in Forbury Road which has been closed in 2015, and The Rising Sun Arts Centre in Silver Street which has an active programme of events.