The landlords of a Reading town centre pub have revealed how they hope to keep customers coming in over the winter months.

The Rising Sun, on Castle Street, boasts a large beautiful beer garden that has proved to be perfect for guests to relax in during the summer months. 

But despite chillier weather coming in, the watering hole has been hard at work utilising all its space, with deputy manager David Pearce explaining that the pub now offers warm blankets and heaters for those still wanting to sit outside. 

"So far with blankets and the heating people are still managing to use our outdoor area," he said. 

"Some days we are just growing more and more. It's different during the week but weekends are busier and busier which is just lovely to see. "

Mr Pearce went on to say that the pub has a few events coming up in the near future, and are excited to show customers what they have been working on. 

General Manager of The Rising Sun Benjamin Donald, 34, said that the pub has been thriving since re-opening its doors earlier in the summer. 

"We've had a great first week," Mr Donald said. "We've been very well received by everyone who has visited us, including lots of people from the local community.

"I grew up in the area, so it's always great to come back where you started from! It's fantastic to be back working here."

Mr Donald has worked in hospitality for over 16 years now, everything from country pubs to large bars in Portsmouth all the way to Australia where he opened a new Jamie's Italian. 

When he found out that him and his team would be re-opening the pub, which holds great historic significance, he extensively researched its background. 

The Rising Sun used to be a 13th Century coaching inn with the old county jail beneath it. 

"Our wine cellar is now down there," Mr Donald said. "During covid when it shut it was actually the first time in 700 years that this place stopped serving alcohol. 

"Being one of Reading's oldest pubs it does have all that history to it and it's absolutely fantastic and fascinating, especially to be a part of it."

Mr Donald said that after the pub is fully up and running they plan to continue to be heavily involved in the local community.

"School fetes, working closely with the bid, that sort of thing," he said. "We are also planning to bring things back that the pub was always celebrated for before."

The Rising Sun has a rich history of live music with many having performed in the beloved establishment over the centuries it has been open.