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)
To shut down this unigue and much loved pub would be a sacrilege. Why does everything have to be the same - at least The Rising Sun is individual - keep it that way.
Marnie McEllistrim
I am aged 87 , and have asked my son to send in this message of support for your cause to save the "Riser". I have held a couple of celebratory meals at this fine pub, and all who attended enjoyed the fine fare provided by David and Ruth. It is so nice to find a proper pub these days,I do hope you are successful in your campaign to keep the pub the way it is. Best Wishes,
Richard
The Rising Sun is a delightful backstreet local - it's the only pub my wife will go to. The beers is great and the choice makes a welcome change. The food is great, the atmosphere is clean, everyone is friendly. Youngs beers are fine but I easily find them elsewhere. The Rising Sun is unique - so keep your hands off Young & Co - I certainly won't go to any of your pubs again if you take it over. You are NOT welcome here.
Neil Macnaughtan
I have been a regular at The Rising Sun since Ruth and Dave took over the pub in September 1999. I know that they have worked tirelessly for the last seven years to build a successful business from nothing on the back of their free of tie status. The customers and locals at The Rising Sun are discerning drinkers. Many of the pub's regulars travel some distance to enjoy the unique atmosphere and unrivalled quality and variety of draught and bottled beers available. While I can understand that Young's must be attracted to the healthy barrelage sold at 'The Riser', I cannot believe that they foresee the current sales of draught Riegele and Surtaler being replaced by similar quantities of Fosters and Stella Artois; or expect that drinkers will continue to make the journey for Young's beers, which are widely available locally, in place of Pilgrim beers which are virtually unheard of elsewhere. The regular drinkers will simply not remain if The Rising Sun becomes a Young's pub. Without the current clientele it is difficult to see where the drinkers will come from - pub goers have ample choice offered by the large number of pubs in Epsom; The Rising Sun is tucked away in an inaccessible residential area and unlikely to attract passing trade; the pub has no parking. I know that Young's have been unable to provide Dave and Ruth with a business plan for the future of The Rising Sun following the reimposition of a tie - can the numbers really stack up? The Rising Sun is quite literally the hub of the neighbourhood. Countless clubs and societies meet there on a regular basis; it has hosted numerous birthday parties, leaving do's and Christmas bashes for residents and local businesses. Dave & Ruth made the bold decision last year to make The Rising Sun a no smoking pub - this has secured it as a super venue for a family Sunday lunch. All dogs are welcome but it is rare that you will visit the pub without bumping into at least one resident of Swail House with their guide dog in tow. Young & Co.'s you are a good company but you are making a mistake with The Rising Sun. Your actions will destroy two hard working and dedicated individuals; bankrupt a brewery; decimate a local community; and ultimately cost you dearly."
Rose
I am Ruth's brother down in Somerset and I'm appalled at the bullyboy tactics of Young's brewery in their dealings with Ruth and David. I've seen how hard they've both worked to produce such a unique and friendly community pub. They are passionate about what they do and they've put their whole selves into their project. They have not made pots of money and their health has not been wonderful either. For Young's to treat them so harshly now is very wrong and I do hope that some sort of settlement can yet be made.
David Sutcliffe
To all involved with the "Save The Riser" campaign: I salute you!
Like so many others who have signed your peition, both local to Epsom and from further afield, I have been fortunate enough to enjoy many a fine evening at the Rising Sun, which is the finest ale pub in the Epsom area. Whilst I have been fully aware of the reasons why Pilgrim beer cannot be found easily in East Surrey, not least in its native Reigate where it has been quietly brewed for 21 years and counting... [Read the rest of this piece here]Tom Gammons
The Rising Sun has been a special part of our lives for several years now, and in fact, we met there whilst Helen was working for Ruth and Dave! The reason for us meeting was because, as like minded people, we enjoy the fine things in life, and the pub that Dave and Ruth have created is just that - fine. Is will be a sad day if Young's change this precious and unique establishment in the heart of such a friendly and warm community. Please leave it alone. Regards,
David Rayner and Helen Cranston
The Rising Sun is, at the moment, undoubtably the best pub in Epsom; not only offering a selection of unique quality beverages far superior to those anywhere else for miles around but an atmosphere to match- no doubt largely due to warmth and friendliness of the current staff. If David and Ruth are forced to leave and the pub stops serving the drinks it is famous for i shall be taking mine, and all my friends' business elsewhere. I shall also add that if Youngs were to do this I would be so grieved I would also steer as many people away from their other outlets as possible to bury my grief. I just hope that does not have to happen. Yours Faithfully,
Lynden Stephens
Please please please please leave the Riser alone. So many of today's pubs are faceless, corporate, homogenised places with the same bland, boring drinks and the same almost unplatable, unadventurous food. They are all interchangeable and stir no loyalty in us. The Rising Sun in comparison is a fantastic pub with a huge and exciting selection of drinks and food reflecting the knowledge and enthusiasm of the landlords. There are so few pubs, wine-bars restaurants etc that serve the delicious selection of belgian beers that can be found at the Riser; and they are becoming harder and harder to find. And the Normany draught cider is a treat beyond words. I have the misfortune not to live in Epsom so I don't visit the Rising Sun as often as I'd ilke to. But a close friends lives a few minutes walk down the road and I try to visit whenever we can and always make it a point to visit the Riser (I wonder sometimes if my friend thinks my visits are just an excuse to go to her local!). We have had some wonderful times in their; the one that springs to mind the most is after a very successful day at the Derby! The drinks, the food and the atmosphere contributed to a memorable evening and one that I am sure would not have left such warm, happy memories if it had been just another Mcpub. So I plea to you again - leave this very special pub as it is so that all those who visit there can continue to enjoy it's individual charms for many years to come. It just won't be the same if the scope of the bar tarriff only runs to Stella, Becks etc - I might as well not bother coming any more as it will be just another pub, which would be criminal. Yours sincerely,
Anni Mazinke
Ashtead is a grim example of what happens when 66% of the pubs are in the same "Ember Inn" chain - as it the Cricketers at Stamford Green, which is a nice walk through the common. regards,
David Ferrett
It is with great sadness that I learned of the plans by Young's Brewery to turn the Rising Sun into another bland, corporate-imaged chain-pub. The popularity of The Riser is due entirely to the years of hard that Dave and Ruth have put into the business - turning it into a pub renowned for its choice of fine beers, stouts and ciders; For great food, knowledgeable staff and a friendly atmosphere. Nobody connected with The Riser wants to see all of that hard work and customer loyalty ruined by Young's acquisition and subsequent control of beer selection and rents - Apart from Young's Brewery, of course. My message to Young's is: "Hands off the pro-active, customer-focussed independents. Take your bullying tactics and your global beverage brands elsewhere."
Dave Morris
I want to give all my support to Dave and Ruth in keeping this unique pub the way it is. The only place where you can be served French cider and Belgium beers; that is why I go. Having been part of the workforce, I have always supported and valued the way in which the Riser has built up its good reputation in providing a unique and varied choice of drinks, all of which are of a high quality. The pub also contributes a warm and friendly service to the community; and that's what makes it. The Riser will "die" if Young's takes it's choice of beer away. The reason why the Riser is so popular, is because of the choice it offers. I am a firm believer in small independant businesses, and they should not be snuffed out because of large companies, which are only interested in making even more money! All the best to everyone making a concerted effort in this campaign!
Annabelle Egginton
I would like to support the campaign, the Riser is a great pub (v good cider) and a lovely change from all the boring pubs that just sell commercial lagers and alco-pops.
Felicity Simon
Please save the Rising Sun - the best non-publike pub we know!! The most comfortable place to have a drink and a natter without feeling you're lining the pockets of some faceless multinational company. And they sell Chouffe!!!
Sue and Bill Bund
I am sorry to hear about this news. If Young's Brewery do not sell the freehold to Ruth and Dave, I will definitely boycott them.
Severine Kerhoas
I fully support the campaign to save the riser. Proper boozers are a British tradiiton and should be protected by law! Good luck,
Dr Sara Eastwood
Youngs, of all the breweries, has shown the most sympathetic treatment of its pubs so let's hope they listen. If they don't, they will live to regret that they underestimate the intelligence, resourcefulness - and the extensive networks - of its clientele and we'll all rally round to help out on that! Excellent website. Keep up the good work! Best wishes,
Jane Johnston
Please add my name to the petition. News of this terrible situation has reached me at the foot of the Himalayas. Please save me a barrel of Pearl and Surrey if you don't pull this off...
S Shiriin Barakzai, Thimphu, Bhutan
Sadden to hear the news that the Rising Sun may loose its independence, please use my details in any petition. Keep up the good work and Good Luck!
Neil McEllistrim
Save the Riser and you will save our sanity! There are many occasions when the benefits of this unique pub go way beyond the fantastic choice of beers, excellent home produced food - all delivered with a warm, friendly and personal service, namely those times when you need that extra something at the end of one of "those" days. IF YOU COULD FIND ALL THIS AT YOUR AVERAGE CHAIN PUB, WE'D ALL BE THERE - BUT YOU CAN'T AND YOU WON'T, NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU SEARCH. The last thing The Rising Sun needs is to suffer at the hands of some marketing department used to producing unimaginative and generally tasteless themed interiors so often to be found housing the same unimaginative and generally tasteless drinks. We sincerely trust that all the hard work and dedication that Ruth and Dave have put in to producing this oasis will not be wasted. We wish you all Good Luck.
Pauline and Graham Swift
I am writing to express my support for the "Save the Riser" campaign. The Rising Sun is an excellent and unique establishment and there would be no benefit to the customer for there to be a change to the ingredients that make the pub the good night out that it is. My friends and I particularly enjoy the opportunity to consume the guest beers from around the country and the beers from other countries. Yours sincerely,
Richard Blakeley
The three Town ward Lib Dem Councillors support your campaign for choice. We believe that this is a grass roots initiative worthy of support by all who believe in Liberty. So we have added links to your website from our front page at:
http://www.epsom-ewell-libdems.org.uk/
We hope you don't mind us copying your logo to act as a live link. We will also be e-mailing Young's Brewery. Let us know if you would like a copy.Colin Taylor, Charles Wood, Julie Morris
Please don't let this wondrous thing die! Pubs like the Rising Sun are something to be proud of, something to enjoy, something to treasure. Choice and quality above all, that should be the watchword. If people want to go to Anypub, Anytown, let them, but I would always choose a pub with some REAL character and REAL characters. Please keep this thing alive!
Charlie Thomas
I fully support this campaign to protect an institution that is The Rising Sun. This country has all too often put profit before community and this is a prime example of that! Best of luck,
Keith Dodds
I just heard the news about the threat to the Rising Sun and wanted to register my support for Dave and Ruth. The Riser is a unique pub and has been a big part of my life for sometime now. Hands off Young's, it's not as if you're short of a pub or two after all!
Steve Whitehouse
I can only echo the sentiments of those before me. The Riser is best pub in Epsom for both choice and atmosphere and that is all down to the hard work that Ruth and Dave have put in to this pub. They have transformed it completely and it is the better for it. All the best.
Vicky Bowler, Allen Bowler, Nora Bowler
One of my favourite memories at the best pub around was on christmas eve 2005 when we all started singing carols together, the entire pub! It was fantastic!!
Emma Broad
I started visited the Rising Sun as I had friends who lived in Epsom, and have continued to travel there since they moved because of been impressed by its freindliness, range and uniqueness. I would be saddened if the Riser became yet another bland chain pub. Good luck with your campaign.
Karen Bates
I'm gonna miss Dave's hot roast... The biggest and best around. love,
The gravy queen
A message to the suits at Young & Co. As you will see from the many wellwishers far and wide The Riser attracts affection uncommon in this day and age for an establishment that dares to be different. Custom has been earned by the hard work Ruth and Dave have put in to a belief that people will search out and become loyal to a watering hole that offers choice, a community spirit, something different. Do not destroy and make extinct this rare animal and lose a gem in an ever increasing world of mediocrity.
Jan, Suzan, Daniel and Jozef Dobrowolski
Firstly I would like to offer huge support to Dave and Ruth in their fight to save their friendly and unique pub. I used to work for them full-time about 3 years ago. I am now an assistant manager of a successful restaurant in Oxford, a job I would not be in now had it now been for the knowledge and skills both Dave and Ruth taught me during my time with them. I so enjoyed working, and of course eating and drinking, at the Rising Sun. Not only is it a great place to work, but also it is a relaxed and comfortable establishment for which to enjoy a drink or plate of wholesome and homemade food. Whilst working there I also got to know a lot of the regular customers, all of which come to the pub to enjoy their favourite beer and to try any new delights from Dave and Ruth's micro- brewery or new wonders Dave has found from near and far. Even though I no longer live in Epsom, I always make sure I pay a visit on my trips home to my favourite pub. Locals also make their visits knowing they will see a smiling face behind the bar and new guests always leave with a smile! Why change something that makes so many people happy??
Sophie Bennett
What's with these people, do they want all the toys in the sandpit? There is no difference between the big breweries and the schoolyard bully, both indulge in antisocial practices because neither have people skills, only size and a feeling of insecurity. Are Young's now a US owned company?
Mike Anderson
I'm totally gutted by this news. I've recently moved to Epsom and have been looking forward to becoming better aquainted with this pub! Please add me to the petition.
Clare Perrin
[Extract from Pilgrim by Martin Roberts] For many years Young's has for me been the quintessential London brewer overshadowing its chief competitor with quality ales. From the easy drinking bitter to the hoppy Ram Rod and the creamy magic that is the traditional Oatmeal Stout... [Read the rest of this piece Here]
Martin Roberts
Dear Dave and Ruth, sorry to hear about the news concerning Youngs which must have come as a shock to you both. My wife and I have enjoyed your company, beers and unique atmosphere for the past 6 years and hope to continue to do so for many more years....chain free. The Rising Sun is no place for a chain pub.....Epsom is already overrun by chain pubs and chain stores. You have our support.
Greg, Sheila and Emily Jeffery
Come on the Risers, help keep Surrey pubs sane!
Calvin Evans
I love the Riser because of its uniqueness. Nowhere else will you find such friendly landlords as Dave and Ruth and Hannah, Ollie, Adam and the rest of the gang. They are very knowledgeable and helpful to everyone, be they regulars or not in explaining the different beers and drinks from all over the world. I know that I can always find something different to drink or eat to match my taste or mood - not like the usual bland big "chain" pubs. The atmosphere and friendliness is second to none. Dave and Ruth have worked exceptionally hard to make it what it is. A non-smoking centre of excellence, which caters for a discerning and varied clientele. The food is very varied and made of the finest ingredients. I don't suppose anyone from Young's has ever been in the Riser else they wouldn't want to change it. Where else would you have a Russian Beer Festival and the Russian Ambassador actually attend? Please Young's don't change the Riser - you don't know what a great pub it is - but I do and I want it to stay that way.
Hazel Hosking
I work in Epsom and enjoy the real ales served at the Rising Sun
David Stening
My support for the Rising Sun is as someone who works in Epsom and appreciates the fantastic draft lagers and smoke free atmosphere.
Steve Mason
Having visited the Rising Sun on more than one occasion I wholeheartedly support your campaign and wish you all the best of luck.
Nigel Croft, Barnsley Campaign for Real Ale
There was a time when we thought that we were the furthest-flung (from Banstead) "locals" who frequented the Riser. It is clear from the huge support being shown to this wonderful pub in its hour of need, that there are many other "locals" who travel much further than us to enjoy what this unique place has to offer. And isn't that the point? However far we travel, we all consider ourselves, and are treated as, "locals". The atmosphere in the Riser is warm and friendly, the beers are varied and interesting, and the food is of a consistently high standard. In many ways, it is the epitome of the fabled "village pub". Rather than robbing us of our "local" to create another soulless drinking shop, we'd like to suggest that Youngs would be better advised to concentrate on trying to replicate the success of the Riser, which has become a focal point within its own particular village.
Campbell and Maria Paterson
I visit the Riser because my mate lives round the corner in Epsom. It is a truly unique and innovative pub. The British pub industry has been following the wrong path for most of my drinking life and if it continues, it will finally eat itself. The Riser is one of the mavericks showing how it should be done with real and genuine passion, flare, creativity and imagination. Just the ingredients the whole industry needs to adopt if volumes are to improve. Best of luck, Cheers
Eddie Gadd, Ramsgate Brewery Ltd
To any fool wishing to tamper with the epitome of pub success, Put simply, The Rising Sun pub in Epsom is the best pub in the entire universe... Dave and Ruth are utterly committed to purveying THE BEST beer!! The pub is unique and has attracted a truly loyal following. No where else does the landlord go to such trouble to educate his clientele with the world's great beers. The breadth of selection of beer beggars belief, yet this complex menu is backed-up with authoritative product knowledge from the owner of the pub right down to part time bar staff. There isn't the slightest whiff of brewing monopolies forcing characterless, insipid muck down the throats of customers who couldn't recognise the difference between a well-tended cellar or not. Not only that but Ruth and David are absolutely fastidious in generating an e specially magical atmosphere - and that is THE difference - there is not a chain pub in the land that can compete with the drive, enthusiasm, commitment and verve of this landlord and landlady. It would be a heinously ignorant act to interfere and tamper with the recipe that they have strived to create in that great pub. This is a classic case of corporate bullying over the little-guy. Are Young's sure they need such horrendous PR?! Sincerely,
Duncan Bolam
Save Dave!, This man has worked hard for the pub and before that for British Brewing, there is a sad irony that the man who for several years worked for greater guest ale access to the nations bars is being kicked in the teeth by the very system he fought.
Don Burgess, head brewer at the Freeminer brewery in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire
Back to home page...The Riser is an oasis at the end of an arid day in the city where I can choose from the wide range of beer, cider or wine, which are of a quality I would choose at home, and share life's foibles with fellow discerning imbibers. As I feel the likelihood of a pub chain, however illustrious, giving this depth of satisfaction is remote, please support the efforts to keep the Riser in the safe and visionary hands of David and Ruth.
Tim