Messages of support
We have received overwhelming support both directly and by email. Here are a selection of these messages. To add your message to this list, please email info@savetheriser.org, with your message and name. Thankyou.
(The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of Save the Riser)
Having been a long time resident and patron of the Rising Sun pub in Epsom, I fully support the licensees, David and Ruth in their efforts to keep their wide range of exotic beer, cider and wide array of malts and other drinks of interest alongside your fine range of brews. They have transformed the pub from what used to be a den of iniquity (in my youth) into a pleasing public house in which a hearty supper or luncheon may be taken at leisure in congenial company and surroundings. There are so few pubs left where the emphasis is placed on quality of service and experience that I despair of this favourite haunt being changed. Please reconsider your position and come to a compromise with them. Yours sincerely,
Mr. Andrew Beard
Save the Riser form a company that has lost it's way! They have abandoned their roots and staff in Wandsworth and now wish to abandon the discerning Epsom drinker!
Tim Wells
An absolute gem.
We've not seen a pub so unique anywhere else in the UK. People go to The Rising Sun for a different experience, no smoking, no bad language, just fantastic beer and fantastic people.
If this becomes just another Young's pub, it will be a terrible loss for all of us and guess what, we're not even locals.
Good luck Dave and Ruth, don't give up. This was your dream, you made it happen. This is with out doubt, one of the best pubs we've ever been in!Colin & Sandra Cabral, Surrey
Having recently spent a wonderful evening at the Riser, enjoying the fantastic range of beers available there, I would like to add my name to the petition.
Many thanks,Tom Denley
I am mortified by the news.
I have sent an email to Vladimir Putin to see if he can help.Malcolm Martin
We support it because we can get a selection of European beers as well as it being Non Smoking pub. I am disabled and I find it OK for parking.
Mr and Mrs Lester
Support the Save the Riser campaign? - Too bloody right I do!
Just read the piece in the paper and can't believe the arrogance of Youngs.Andrew Minhinnick
Please add my name to the petition to 'Save the Riser.' The insensitivity and lack of consideration for local conditions shown by Youngs Brewery are unforgivable and show a sea-change from their most splendid record of several years ago: perhaps they are run just by bean-counters now instead of brewers.
My wife and I have been regular users of the Rising Sun since Dave and Ruth took over. They have created an unique and personalised pub which stands out within the area: so much so that when friends come they expect to be taken there for the fine beers, food and company. It is not many pubs in which customers can comfortably read a paper or book, play crib, talk or have a meal. Our Australian friends are amazed that such a fine place exists.
Being a local teacher, I will no doubt use Youngs Brewery and their handling of this as a detailed case study of how "big business" bullies individuals and is remote from its potential customers. Younger people need to be informed.Nick Williams
If Youngs are afraid of having their beers sold alongside the exisiting fare at the riser, it suggests they are not confident in their own products!
Regards,Rob Rickard
I cannot believe that this is happening. This pub is certainly one of my favourite things in Epsom and it is a shame to have this type of chain establishments everywhere. I fully support this campaign and hope that there is a way out for Ruth and Dave from the bottom of my heart. My parents visit the UK from Brazil twice a year and are also big fans. My Dad was truly disappointed...
Diana de Moura Stewart
One of the nicest things about this pub was the warm welcome we received - something unfortunately missing from the usual chain establishments.
Please take note of the punters' pleas - and help to keep the Rising Sun the haven it has been for many years.Chris Moxey
I was sad to hear about the plight of The Riser a few weeks ago, and have just discovered your web site.
Anyway, I've mentioned it on my blog and signed your petition, but let me know if there's anything else I can do to help.
Cheers, and good luck!Mark Sweeting
Having spent many a fine evening in such a unique pub both my husband and I are horrified that its identity is soon to be ripped apart by the familiar heartless face of corporate identity. My husband is a lover of your great choice of larger and beer and I your fresh homemade meals. The main reasons we come to the pub are the relaxed atmosphere and décor, friendly and helpful bar staff, fabulous choice of largers/beers and ciders and the lovely homemade food and the fact it is not a faceless corporate pub with no soul. The current licensees have provided its clients with a wonderful haven, it would be awful to loose them and the pub which they have lovingly created.
Helen and Paul Linney
Steve Darke told me about what a cracking pub this is, and he's a man of superb taste. SAVE THIS EPSOM CLASSIC!!!
Jimmy Smallwood
I have family who live on Reigate Road in Epsom and whenever I visit I make a point of calling in at The Rising Sun. What attracts me is not only the choices of excellent ales but the care and passion which the staff have for their job and customers. If the Riser becomes another Youngs pub I might pop in if I was going past but, most certainly, would not go out of my way to get there. I think customers value choice not just big brands.
Good luck with your campaign.John Bowman
The Rising Sun is the only pub we ever go to, and we live in East Grinstead. It's disgraceful the way Youngs are using their clout like this especially after all the hard work Dave and Ruth have put in to make the pub such a good place different from all the run of the mill places. (ok, so I'm biased, Dave was best man at our wedding and I remember that evening in Chepstow he mentions). That's the last pint of Youngs I'll drink.
Richard & Rosemary Keyte
I wish to add my support to saving the Rising Sun and in particular the unique beers and lagers sold in a special atmosphere created by David and Ruth.
Irvin Morris
Please leave the best pub in the world as it is!
Daniel Joseph
This is a great pub with a fine choice of English and Belgian beers. There are so few pubs with such a good choice that it would be a very great pity if were to become a tied pub with beers from only one brewery with perhaps an occasional guest. Every time I visit friends in Surrey they take me to The Rising Sun, but we shall certainly not go in future if there is no longer a varied choice of English and Belgian beers.
Good luck with the campaign!Rick Nisbet
Fully support this campaign and was very impressed with your web site. I have copied others who may wish to add to the petition at www.savetheriser.org
Best of Luck,Malcolm Robarts
This pub must not be changed. It provides excellent beer, wine, spirits, food and atmosphere and the pub is unsurpassed by any of the places I have visited in the uk or around the world.
My family and myself have told many people about this wonderful place and all have visited and loved it.
David and Ruth Roberts have my total support and I will do what I can to stop this.Rob Polatajko
I read about the pub's plight in the local Guardian today. Please add my name to the petition.
Phil Newton
More power to your elbow!
I was very disturbed to read of the proposal by Young's to destroy the beer choice offered at the Rising Sun. I have just read the reported comments of the Young's spokesman in the Epsom Guardian (22 June, Front Page), " We spent £900000 to buy this pub and we haven't bought it to sell other people's beer. If people don't like it they can drink somewhere else."
If this uncompromising language, rigid attitude and total lack of concern for the pub's longstanding landlord and customers is what Young's are about, then I'm disappointed in them, and they won't count me in their customer base in the future, either at the Rising Sun, or elsewhere.
I hope the Young's spokesman was misquoted. Come on Young's!! You can do MUCH better than this!Philip Doyle
The Rising Sun is a great pub, very welcoming, friendly service and a lovely atmosphere. It is the complete antithesis of so many dull, over-branded, chain outlets. Youngs should leave it alone.
Iain Macfarlane
I wish to add my name to the petition to 'Save the Riser'.
In its current format the Riser is a wonderful, quirky, appealing and thoroughly enjoyable experience. The sheer volume of support for this little pub and it's two lovely, eccentric landlords is proof alone that it should be left as it is. You only need to walk around a few streets in Epsom to see campaign posters in every other house window to realise how popular this pub is. As the old adage says: 'if it ain't broke, don't try and fix it!' The wonderful 'exotic' range of beers and ciders are a welcome change because everywhere else offers the bland, uniform range. We don't want this lovely place to turn into just another high street pub. If that's what we wanted then Epsom High Street is just a few minutes away and nobody would ever visit the Riser!!!
Youngs, please, please, please leave the Riser as it is. Purely from a business point of view, you will lose custom and goodwill from everyone who lives in the neighbourhood. I had hoped to hold my 40th birthday party at the Riser in November...if the pub changes and Ruth & Dave leave, I will never set foot in it again!
Good luck Dave and Ruth!
Kind regards ,Dominique Luqman
Please save a truly exceptional pub, which is a gem and such a rarity. I have been away for a month and have returned to the shock news and am truly concerned about the Youngs proposals.
Tom Zarebski
I'm shocked to hear that the best pub in the area is about to be ruined by Youngs.
Frankly it makes my skin crawl that Youngs can behave so callously towards such a hard working and friendly couple who are trying to provide a great pub experience.
The beauty of the Riser is its uniqueness. I only hope that Youngs see sense and relent on forcing their brand on people that frankly don't want it. I've been to enough bland and faceless pubs with inept choice to last me a lifetime and one of the few pubs left that breaks the mould is the Riser.
The little I can do in support I gladly will and will certainly be boycotting any Youngs pub until they recognise how much this pub and these people mean to the community. Good luck with the campaign.
Mike Darke
Good Afternoon!
Please Save the Riser - it's a fab pub and the choice is amazing. It's a great venue in which to while away the afternoon with friends or equally pop in for a quick pint.
Cheers!Sarah Hanslip
I have only been to the Rising Sun once, for Philippa and Simon's wedding, but we had a fantastic time. I particularly enjoyed the vast section of beers, usually only available in themed Belgium pubs and the like. I certainly don't want the pub to be turned into another bog standard Youngs pub! Please put my details on the petition,
Kathleen Garwood
Please add my name to the petition to Save the Rising Sun. It would be a tragedy to lose such a friendly special pub.
Lucy Stringer
I'd very much like to support your campaign. Our daughter Philippa had her wedding party in the Rising Sun on Easter Saturday. It was of course the happiest of occasions, but especially so because of the wonderful atmosphere of the pub and truly personal welcome extended by Ruth and Dave. In addition to the fantastic range of beers which their guests enjoyed all evening, Dave cooked a marvellous spread and spent the week before planting out the garden.. how many wedding venues would go to that trouble? It saddens us all greatly that this great pub, with so many happy memories, is likely to change out of all recognition. Please add our names to the list.
Marianne and Peter Bradnock
Hi
I support the Riser and use it regularly for business/staff lunches and after work activities. It has a great atmosphere, great beer and food and totally differentiated from the "standard chains"...
If this changes - there are many other places to choose instead ...Julie Bevan
Dear Campaign,
I have visited the pub on a number of occasions with an ex-colleague who lived nearby and thoroughly enjoyed the unique selection of beers and the opportunity to experiment. I sincerely hope that a compromise can be reached to enable this truly unique drinking experience to continue. Please add my name to the petition.
Thanks and best wishes,Rhys Williams
David and Helen Maggs, directors of The West Berkshire Brewery Co Ltd would like to add their names to those protesting at the appalling treatment of Ruth and David Roberts, the landlords and tenants of the Rising Sun, Epsom.
For a renowned brewery such as Youngs, who have been supported by CAMRA, and other brewers, throughout the years for their real ale credentials, to behave in this manner towards fellow brewers is outrageous. They have cynically joined the request by regional brewers for the extension of PBD, originally formulated by Dave Roberts for the Society of Independent Brewers, and now are quite cheerfully willing to ruin his livelihood.
They should be ashamed.Dave & Helen Maggs
Just to add our support to this campaign and to say that Chris and I enjoyed 3 years of excellent food, drink and hospitality with Ruth and Dave while I was curate at St Martin's epsom.
Chris and Carole Bourne
Please add my name wholeheartedly to the petition to save this wonderful pub, where my sister had her magical wedding reception recently.
Lucy Bradnock
I would like to add my name to the campaign to keep this lovely pub for the enjoyment of local people and visitors from further afield.
Vicki Lesley
I choose to go to The Rising Sun over all other pubs in town precisely because of its individuality, created with hard work and care by Ruth and Dave. Please let it stay like this.
Thanks, Ruth and Dave. All power to your exotic and delicious fare.Helen (one of the St Martin's choir bunch)
As the local Vicar for the area, I fully support the campaign to Save the Riser under Ruth and Dave's management. They are making an excellent contribution to the community, in providing a valued place of hospitality and welcome. The pub is a shining beacon in a desert of bland 'branded' hostelries and every effort should be made to keep it so.
The Revd. Simon Talbott
I've been a local for over three years now, when I first walked in both Dave and Ruth looked at me with some aprehension. But after a couple of beers and a chat I was made so welcome. These two people have made "THE RISER" a unique place and I enjoy every visit and have made friends with many interesting people. Please help us to keep this place as it is.
Don Plumb "STR"
Please let David and Ruth at the Riser continue to make it a very special pub - it makes sense!!
Lorraine and Philip Dine
Dear old friends, and those I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet.
It's been over two years since we moved away from Epsom. And the one thing (nay, the only thing!) we miss from our life down south is The Riser.
We don't miss the bricks and mortar or the Riser, or even the beer really (sorry, Dave!). But we miss the cameraderie; the warmest of welcomes you would get when you walk through the door (from staff and punters alike); and the atmosphere that is truly unique amongst pubs and just makes you want to come back time after time.
How do Dave and Ruth manage to create this atmosphere? I have no idea. But whatever they are doing, it should be bottled and sold at a huge premium. I'd buy a crate load to try and get some of the Riser magic around our local pubs in Sheffield. Owned by the big chains they are impersonal, lacking in atmosphere, and all pretty much the same. Please don't let Youngs turn the Riser into a clone of every other pub...
So, keep up the good work chaps. And if there is anything Haze and I can do from oop north, then you know where we are. Count me in for a couple of Save the Riser t-shirts.Carrie Warr
Whenever we visit Epsom I always look forward to the warm welcome and varied choice of well kept beers at the Riser. Good luck with the campaign.
Iain Carne
We moved to Epsom because of the Rising Sun! We were planning on moving to Kingston, but one Sunday afternoon came across the Riser, and by the time we went home we had made the decision. A huge part of the reason we love Epsom so much is because of the Riser. Peaceful winter Sunday evenings by the fire with a pile of papers and a Chouffe, fantastic beers, great roasts, lovely staff, and the tranquil garden in the summer. Its a truly special place. We came back from holiday last week to hear about the plight of the Riser. The way Dave and Ruth have been treated is appalling. There are plenty of pubs in Epsom but going to the Riser is always an event, and always feels like a special treat. Come on Young's, wake up and realise that leaving the pub as it is would be the best thing that you could possibly do. You won't get anything like the trade that is now enjoyed if you destroy this little gem. Well done to all concerned for all the hard work so far in saving the Riser and please keep us informed so that we can offer our support in any way we can.
Vicki Churchill & Tony Vogel
The Rising Sun is a unique 'one-off' pub, that attracts a lot of unique 'one-off' customers, and that is what makes it so quirkerly (new word) attractive. David and Ruth are fabulous landlord/lady and I will be extremely sorry if this pub has to change.
Apart from that, where else would I find my dearly beloved if he is not at home!Barbara, long suffering wife of ...
Bonjour,
I'm Anne-Gaelle ROY from Paris, in France.
I just want to give you my support de Paris.
Never surrender, never give up!!
Et bonne chance!!!!
Bye,Anne-Gaëlle
I have to say that I'm very upset to hear of the potential loss of a fine British institution. Whenever I visit the UK, every year or two, I always drop into the Rising Sun to see Dave & Ruth and enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere. To visit a quintessential British pub, enjoy a wide and varied selection of real beer in a smoke free atmosphere with David, Ruth and their friends. What more does a man need? Ruth even once gave me a tour of the beer cellar - not for the faint of heart! When I visit England, I always come home to the house of The Rising Sun. Keep up the good fight and I look forward to visiting you again at the Riser in the near future to enjoy your warm hospitality, wonderful beer selection as well as a magnificent Sunday lunch.
Tony, Toronto - Canada supports Save The Riser
We are still reeling from the news that our 'second home' is in jeopardy and have to admit that we have shed some tears. The Riser was always a great pub, but since it became non smoking it is the best pub in the World; great beer, fantastic food, wonderful atmosphere. Being a part of the Riser is like having an extended family. We moved to Epsom in 1999 just as Dave and Ruth took over the Rising Sun and have become staunch regulars, how ironic that our nearest pub is actually the King's Arms (a bland Youngs pub) which we walk past on our way to The Riser. In fact we walk for 20 minutes past 4 bland pubs in order to drink and eat at the Riser. We have many, many memories of nights out in the Riser with family, friends and even just the other customers which is why this pub is so special. Whether it be a huge Sunday lunch, Xmas Eve carols or launch night for Chouffe beer each visit is special. We love Belgian beer and make several trips a year to Ghent to stock up the garage but we also love having a Belgian, German, American or Pilgrim beer in the Riser. This pub is unique, it is a family and it is devastating to think that we will lose touch with all the familiar faces and especially Dave and Ruth and all their team if this is allowed to happen.Youngs must realise that there will be a massive backlash if the Riser isn't allowed to continue as is.
Su and Chris Gill
There seems to be a corporate assumption that customer choice is a threat to their monopoly. They prefer to standardise and simplify to a formula which reflects the corporate image, so that the image is identifiable but not the product. There is no variety, no difference, no choice. Here, we are reminded of the words of Henry Ford, who, when asked what colours his revolutionary model T Ford came in, replied: "Any colour so long as it is black". The Rising Sun makes a difference. Ruth and Dave make a difference. They sell a variety of products and the pub is regarded as a 'local' and not as an outlet for alcohol. We use the Rising Sun only because if does not have a corporate image...it is our local and it makes a difference. Best wishes,
Jane and Frank Parkin
I would like to add my name to the petition to maintain the high standards and variety of drinks at the Rising Sun. If we wanted to drink swill in a smokey dive we would frequent any one of the other pubs in Epsom.
Mark Ayer
Dear Sirs, As a non-local visitor of the Rising Sun on numerous occasions, I strongly support the Save the Riser campaign, and would hate to see it turned into a typical "formula" pub. Yours sincerely,
Phil Fitzsimmons
Good luck and a big 'thank you' to all those involved in the 'Save the Riser' Campaign. We hope you can achieve something positive for two lovely people, Ruthie and Dave Roberts, and that special place 'The Rising Sun'.
Vivie (Sutcliffe) in France and John Wilkins
Back to home page...The Rising Sun is a fantastic pub! Great beers, amazing service and a very friendly atmosphere. I can't think of another local pub to rival it. Why do people have to start meddling when something reaches a level of complete satisfaction and high service? I completely support the Save the Riser campaign. Cheers,
Stuart Pallant