What to expect as historic Reading pub set to reopen

The Heartwood Collection, a brand of chain pubs with a menu devised by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc, bought The Sun Inn in Castle Street late last year.

The historic pub, which dates back to 17th century, sadly closed after what its previous owners called ‘one last shindig’ in May 2022.

But following the pub’s purchase, it is now due to be opened by the Heartwood Collection this March.

As part of the acquisition and refurbishment of the building, it will revert to its original name, The Rising Sun.

The Sun Inn in Castle Street, Reading town centre, which closed in May 2022. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

A spokesperson for the Heartwood Collection said the company liaised with Reading Museum, whose staff clarified that it was previously called The Rising Sun before being renamed as The Sun.

The spokesperson said: “We’re really looking forward to restoring and refurbishing the pub and, as part of this work, we felt it fitting to revert to the original name of the pub.”

READ MORE: Centuries old town centre pub gearing up to reopen with new name

Guests can expect characterful furniture and comfy seating, with space for 150 people to enjoy food and drinks indoors.

Thanks to planning approval achieved last year, changes outdoors will create space for 100 covers outside in a new sheltered walled garden for al fresco dining in the summer.

Work is underway on the building ready for the hoped-for opening date in March.

Some of the comfy furniture guests can expect once The Rising Sun pub in Castle Street, Reading reopens later this year. Credit: Heartwood Collection

Richard Ferrier, Heartwood Collection managing director said: “We are delighted to have acquired the Sun Inn in Reading.

“It is an historic property in one of our favourite towns. We are confident that we will be able to restore this beautiful building to its former glory and with it reverting to its original name, ‘The Rising Sun’, we believe we will ensure its future at the heart of the Reading community.

“We can’t wait to get going.”

The company won approval for changes to the garden and building an extension to provide greater cooking facilities last October.

Food that will be served once The Rising Sun pub in Castle Street, Reading reopens later this year. Credit: Heartwood Collection

The Heartwood Collection submitted an advertising plan for new paint, signage and the name change to The Rising Sun at the end of November.

You can view the advertising application by typing reference 231734 into the council’s planning portal.

The opening of The Rising Sun is part of the company’s plan to grow to over 60 inns and brasseries by 2027.

The Heartwood Collection currently runs 20 Heartwood Inns pubs and 14 Brasserie Blanc restaurants.

It is backed by the Alchemy Partners investment company, with the Heartwood Collection recently acquiring £100 million of funding to realise its expansion plans, including to Reading.

It is understood The Sun Inn was sold to the Heartwood Collection for £750,000 in the autumn of last year.