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)
The Rising Sun is not a just a pub, it is a destination in itself; I travel in from Leatherhead every week solely to enjoy its utterly unique atmosphere and the exciting, horizon-broadening range of beers. It's location means it will rarely attract the casual passing trade, but those lucky enough to discover it are always assured a warm, genuine welcome from Dave and Ruth, another reason for unswerving loyalty among the clientele. The atmosphere is more that of a club than a mere pub. I was in there only last week at closing time when one hungry punter asked where he might grab a quick curry that time of night. A moment later, the barmaid had whipped out the phone book and was ordering it for him! Where else can you imagine that happening? Moreover, Dave's passion for beer, in all its infinite variety, is infectious and, I am so grateful for having my tastes widened by the astonishing range on offer. The summer beer festivals extend the range even further. And consider this; my missus, who doesn't like pubs much, held her fortieth birthday party in the back garden, superbly catered by Ruth. She just would not have been contemplated it AT ANY OTHER PUB IN THE AREA! While I enjoy a pint of Young's, remembering fondly the sight of their dray horses around Putney, I am convinced that to rob the good people of Epsom, and indeed many towns around it, of this truly individual and characterful establishment would be a great, great shame.
Kevin Sargent
Best of luck to Dave, Ruth and all at Save The Riser!!! I choose choice.
Stephen Auld
It's the best pub in the area and changing it removes any reason for going there.
Marc and Ita Dumbleton
I am writing in a plea to Young's to preserve the unique and cherished nature of the Rising Sun Public House in Epsom, Surrey. Please be assured that this is not just an email from a disaffected local or from a person who will not accept that change in life is inevitable. Change however does need to be justified as progress and just for changes sake. I would imagine from the correspondence that you have received on this issue to date, that you are able to glean that the support for this pub is drawn from a very wide section of the public and from many people, like myself, who travel from distance specifically to enjoy this jewel in the Licensing trade. I regularly make the effort to visit the Rising Sun with my family and friends, all of whom, no matter which age group, thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to try an amazing range of beers, wonderful food and equally importantly, a warm welcome from David and Ruth, along with their dedicated and knowledgeable staff. Even the decor and ambience of the pub cannot be found elsewhere, in an age of formulaic establishments. The Rising Sun's whole ethos is for the enjoyment of beer with like-minded people in a friendly environment. It is a unique pub and Young's have purchased an absolute gem. Young's themselves have a fully justified high standing in the brewing industry and I simply ask that they utilise their expertise to recognise just what a wonderful place the Rising Sun is and that its existing character and range of beers needs to be preserved. This is not just any other pub - please do not change the intergrity of the Rising Sun. Yours faithfully,
Neil Anderton
The Rising Sun is one in a million. I fully support the Save the Riser campaign.
Matthew Basak
The directors of Young's have obviously not bothered to visit this wonderful pub. If they had they would be congratulating themselves on having made such a shrewd investment and would not be considering any changes.
Mike Bennett
The Riser is the best pub in Epsom; it's got a great atmosphere and the fellowship is the next best to the Church! Dave and Ruth have my vote and Sylvia and I want them to run the pub for many years to come.
Rev. Jeff Yelland
I have frequented this pub since Ruth and Dave Roberts took it over. First and foremost - my tastes in beer have been educated and enhanced! I now am at risk of being a beer bore and scoff at the beer list of other pubs [sorry, that should read what other pubs call 'beer']. The accessibility of the pub to me and my Deaf family and friends is second to none - with staff who are clear in their communication. Whatever the level of their British Sign language skills, it is clear that they range from very competent through to those who try hard and all get through to their customers. I can't think of many pubs where a truly integrated mix happens - including blind and partially sighted people and wheelchairs users, can all come in and get a welcome that is equal to that given to any of the other punters. Then there have been some locals with learning disabilities who come because they feel safe to say nothing of those residential homes which arrange special visits because of the accessibility! It's fantastic for special events and has hosted a whole range of family events because it is a pub for families too. The integration is seamless and pleasant. It's a cliché but like the 'Cheers' TV series, it's a place where everyone knows your name - and Ruth and Dave both know everyone's names and take the effort to integrate and introduce people to each other, as well as the gourmet beers and food of the world with specialities on particular festive days. That Young's just want to steamroller in and wipe out something that many people treasure and want to keep - precisely because it is different and pleasant and doesn't have yobbos, drunks, music machines, is smoke-free, has no one-arm bandit machines, etc., etc. - smacks of sheer arrogance and fat cat mentality. That they do it without regard to Ruth and Dave's position, ignoring the goodwill they have developed, without due consideration to or consultation with the customers and employees implies a total disregard for people including us - their potential customers - and smacks of the most incompetent public relations exercise! It'd be funny if it wasn't true. But hey, given the terrorist theory, [tell one and like the machine gun, one will tell ten] this whole exercise will damage Young's and, you know what, they did it all by themselves. What clever boys. Then of course, a few awkward questions could arise at shareholders meetings. Hey, this could run and run. Let's hope so - if only to evoke a slight sense of shame - maybe even to invoke that British sense of 'fair play' in business dealings such as this. For sure, Young's have a long way to go on that score! With very best wishes to Ruth and Dave at this upsetting and difficult time. And supporting all other friends and customers at the Riser.
Linda Richards | Producer, Signing Unit
I am very sorry to hear the Rising Sun is to be subjected to the modern curse of uniformity. Excellence used to be something to strive for. Nowadays, because it challenges mediocrity, the Marketing boys cannot cope with it. So we are left to vote with our feet, which is a shame, for it was always a great place to celebrate with one's friends and family. The destructive ruthlessness of the present pub chains is a growing stain on our public life. If only someone in high places had the common sense - and sense of Britishness - to understand what is being destroyed, these things would not have to happen. Sad,
Graham Hayward - an occasional but always happy customer, these last four years.
The Rising Sun dares to be different. Do not confuse change with progress, in the case of the Rising Sun, Epsom a change to Young's would be a retrograde move. One of the reasons its customer base loves it, is that it dares to be different. An outstanding choice of beers, lagers. ciders and spirits not available elsewhere in Epsom or the surrounding area, as is the food. To reach the Riser I walk past 3 Pubs on one route, and 3 clubs 2 pubs and a bar on another route, the King's Arms, which while it is closer, lacks the choice, atmosphere and companionship my wife and I require. My drinking is fairly catholic but like many Epsomians I appreciate the choice and difference offered by the Riser. My wife has a choice of Normandy Cider, Wheat Beer, organic fruit juices or imported beers with taste. I am a smoker, my wife is not, this makes the Riser the only acceptable pub in Epsom, here, we can enjoy good beers, lagers, ciders and food. In fact when I return from some of the oil industry's more unattractive venues, I e-mail my wife to book a table at the Riser. I might have been eating in 4 star hotels but I have not been enjoying the experience, whereas I have never been disappointed at the Riser. Dave & Ruth have dared to be different, No smoking, no mainstream major beers, a diversity of wines and spirits, no juke box, no amusement machines, special events, beer festivals, but always with the consent and support of the neighbours, a community pub. Daring to be different has had its cost, to make it a pub for the discerning has been a slow process, no drinking out of the bottle, no bad language, a place where unaccompanied ladies feel safe, a haven for the discerning. People and choice before profit. A public house where everyone is involved, a friendly and a unique experience. Staff who are enthusiastic, care about the customer and are knowledgeable and complement and reflect Dave and Ruth's ideals. Young's unfeeling attitude reeks of Rachmanism, the bullying big boy. Uncaring, unfeeling and unwanted. If Young's are supposed to be a "Family Brewer", their actions are more akin to the Mafioso. Their tenanted manager Tim Hutchins, a hit man. Companies have a duty to make profits for the shareholders, but companies also have a duty to trade fairly, not to trample unfeelingly over the corpses of competitors, however small. Do not ignore the feelings or power of the customer. The Riser dares to be different. Vive la Difference!
Ian E Hosking
I am a long term advocate, consumer and purchaser of Young's Beer , visitor to the Ram Brewery and patron of countless Young's Houses and outlets. I credit Young's for preserving Real Ale in large parts of London and the South East at a time when the art of Real Ale was in jeopardy. I implore you to allow The Rising Sun Epsom to continue to trade in the way that it has in the past. This pub is a marvel in our current age and must be allowed to continue to trade in it's eclectic choices of products. It stands apart from EVERY other pub in the area and its idiosyncrasies make it special and worth preserving for Epsom and the rest of the world. It must not become like EVERY other pub - if it did it would not be worth visiting and would be a grievous wound. My interest in the pub is that of a customer only. There are many other places I can take my custom. Yours sincerely
Malcolm Martin
I'm adding my voice to saving the Rising Sun from the dumbing down of our pubs. Here is an opportunity for a large company like Youngs to do something special with their financial clout other than clobber the small operators. They should be encouraged to enter into the spirit of this era and follow the clients thinking - better pubs = better loyalty = more sales = more repeat business. Let them work alongside Dave and Ruth to make the Riser even better and display some class
Kevin
Although I am another "out-of-towner" a visit to the Rising Sun is something I plan and look forward to for weeks! And having extolled its virtues for several years I finally managed to get my wife, children and mother-in-law there for lunch on an unannounced diversion on the way back from last summer's holiday. And they agreed with me, which is a score for family unity. With due respect to Young's, whose product I have also enjoyed over the years and whose quality I fervently hope will be maintained following the recent buy-out, they've no shortage of outlets and if the Epsom drinker fancies one of theirs it's not far away. The Pilgrim brewery is unique, and support for Dave's operation would be a feather in the cap for a "big" brewery genuinely interested in quality and the diversity of brewing tradition. I do hope they can get their newly corporate heads around that, 'cos I want to be able to continue to enjoy Young's as well. Save the Riser
Dr Nick Jefferies
I support the Save the Riser campaign. I will not purchase any Youngs products until the Riser is made free.
Mark Broe
Not a local but I love visiting your great pub when I come to see Rose and Si across the street.
Sally Waghorn
I have been visiting the Riser since 1989! It holds so many happy memories for me and is a unique place in comparison to all the other soul less bars in the area. We are based in Scotland now but always try to visit the Riser on our trips down.
Fiona Edmonds, Dr Samuel Swift
The Rising Sun is a nice pub. It will not be as good when it becomes part of a chain run by people who don't, at the end of the day, really care about the customer. I'm really sorry to hear about this and will almost certainly not go back if the pub goes to Youngs. Nothing personal Youngs, I just prefer diversity, not something I can get at many another pub.
Ken Bell
I am writing to express my opposition to the imminent changes to the Rising Sun. It has been, for as long as I can remember, consistently the best Pub in Epsom. Its unique produce is second to none and the resulting and accompanying atmosphere is similarly unsurpassed. To lose either would be both a financial and social catastrophe. I cannot stress enough how important it is that the unique nature of this business be preserved. And let me stress, this is not a conservative clinging to what I'm used to, but a recognition that diversity and quality of product is integral to the success and vitality of local businesses. The USP of the Rising Sun would be obliterated were it 'brought in line' with other Young's establishments. I wholeheartedly approve of the latter, but we must all surely recognise the true individual genius of the Rising Sun and strive to maintain its position at the pinnacle of its class. Yours in support,
Ian Middleton
As a life time drinker and supporter of Young's, as well as a 1973 '135' member, I was very upset to hear what Youngs have done with regard to the Rising Sun in Epsom. I hope Youngs realise that their actions are alienating their supporters and their customers with their intended actions. I can only think that the Management making this decision were not around when they were the "little guy" fighting for customer choice and variation, and how people stood by them and fought against the bully boys with them. Lets hope they reconsider their plans. As a member of the Special Branch of SPBW [The Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood] (named after one of Youngs wonderful brews) the Rising Sun is especially close to my and my friends hearts, as the organisation was founded there was back in 1963. Given the state the pub was in, it seems very wrong to punish David and Ruth, who have spent so much money and worked so hard to get the pub back into a going concern. I understand that Youngs is a business and has shareholders and I think their decision on a joint brewing venture with Wells was the best considering their options. With regard to the Rising Sun, this is wrong business decision for a number of reasons, and Youngs should reconsider if it is worth a fight with their friends, customers and supporters when a compromise would suit all parties.
John O'Connor
Please add my name to the petition to save the Rising Sun as a pub without tie. I am surprised that the pub could be taken on with a no-tie lease and then a change of ownership should enable it to be come a tied pub. I have known the pub since the early days of SPBW.
Ken Brewster
Epsom has a huge number of existing chain pubs in considerably more accessible locations and with car parking facilities. Positioned where it is, the pub does not attract passing traffic. So it is obvious that the clientele of The Rising Sun make an effort to go there for a specific reason. That reason is not the wonderful food and great landlord, but for the wide range of superb, independently brewed, beers - the best I've ever tasted. If you dictate that The Riser must sell your beers, the clientele will simply go to one of the more conveniently positioned town centre pubs. Why wouldn't they? The Riser would have lost what attracted its customers in the first place and what keeps people coming back time and time again. So please, do not force the Rising Sun to sell your beers. The people of Epsom and the surrounding area lose a jewel of a hostelry and it would be an unwise business move for you.
Kate Jefferies
I am writing as a director of the firm mentioned below [Ed. removed]. We have used the Rising Sun for several corporate / office evenings and believe it has a unique offering which makes it worthwhile visiting for a fun night out.
Lisanne Mealing, Director
The Rising Pub is such a unique pub and has been our local for 3 years now. We moved to be as close to the pub as we could. There are board games and books, odd tables and chairs, geraniums on the window ledge, a lovely garden in the summer, a roaring fire in the winter, flowers on the tables, mellow music on the radio, a chiming clock, the odd dog stretched across the carpet, a smoke free environment, great food of the best quality, wonderful staff and Ruth and Dave who have worked so hard to create this special, special place. Eat your heart out Youngs - you have nothing that is a patch on this.
Joan Fletcher-Brown and Ray Dixon
Please add us to the growing list of disappointed and disgusted punters who wish to see the Riser stay in the very capable hands of Dave and Ruth. While we lived in Epsom a lot of our time was spent in the Riser with it's excellent atmosphere and superb beers. Having now returned home to Sheffield we miss the place terribly, our new local is also called the Risng Sun but the similarities stop there. Being part of a chain it is dull, predictable and has little in the way of atmosphere. We don't have a local Youngs pub up here but if we did I'd boycott it on principle, there certainly won't be any Youngs products finding their way into my shopping trolley this weekend. Regards,
Paul Haze Harrison
I was very disappointed to hear that it is being proposed that the speciality beers currently available at "The Rising Sun" in Epsom, will no longer be available under the new ownership of Young's brewery. I have to say at the outset, that I am a fan of Young's beers, but it is a great shame that this restriction is in the offing. Many customers, like me, travel some distance to sample the wide range of European beers at The Rising Sun, obviously passing many pubs on the way. If the proposal goes ahead, there will be no point in doing so. The Rising Sun is a unique establishment, not only in its choice of beers ( where else are these available?) but in it's character. It would be great shame for both of these qualities to disappear. I would really urge the new owners to think again.
John Houlden
I have just been sent a link to your site and was devastated to read about your troubles. This is absolutely disgusting and, although I am quite a fan of Young's beers, they have no business in ruining the livelihoods of you hardworking people.
Andy Mitchell
I am very disappointed that you are trying to ruin this unique pub by making it the same as "all the rest". The reason the pub is so popular is because it sells all the different beers. Do large companies never learn???
Sally Radcliffe
We live a short walk away from the Riser and are the envy of everyone we know for having such a wonderful pub on our doorstep. It is, quite literally, the hub of the neighbourhood - when we moved to Epsom four years ago, it was Ruth who was the first to welcome us, and who introduced us to many of our new neighbours in our friendly local. It's a unique pub, not just because of the wonderful choice of beers and food. What really makes it are Dave and Ruth - two lovely people, forever welcoming and perennially cheerful. It would be a real blow to our neighbourhood if we were to lose the pub that Dave and Ruth have plainly worked so hard to make. We don't want just any old pub on our corner - we want the one we have and love. What a terrible shame it would be to have this taken from us or for it to be compromised in any way . I only hope Youngs listen to the big cross noises emanating from Epsom - and around the world. We personally know of Rising Sun fans as far afield as America, Canada, New Zealand, France and Italy. With all our very best wishes to Dave and Ruth, and much thanks for all the many happy times we have spent enjoying their hospitality - Christmases, New Year's eves, summer parties, christenings, birthdays, and many, many other happy times. Long may it all last,
Annabel, Dan, Harry and Charlie Saladino
[Extract from Sounds of the Rising Sun by Steve Burge] I moved to Swail House on 4 June 2004 with my guide dog Lois and being a keen drinker of real ales and enjoying pubs I asked my good friend Martin where the nearest pub was. A couple of nights later, bored and wanting to make some new friends I took a walk down to the Rising Sun, walked in the door and was greeted by a very friendly member of staff, who introduce her self as Ruth. Since that first night back in 2004 I have enjoyed many nights in the riser... And it is not only me who enjoys the Rising Sun but also my guide dog Lois... [Read the rest of this piece Here]
Steve Burge
Back to home page...Sorry to hear this news particularly as the SPBW was founded at the Rising Sun in 1963. On my recent visits to your pub I have enjoyed the variety of quality beers and beer types, and particularly the availability of rare foreign beers.As well as excellent food. Another of my favourite locals the Sekforde Arms in Clerkenwell EC1 is about to suffer the long standing tenants Bill & Wendy, being shafted by Youngs for a huge rent hike which will force them out of their home as well as the pub. Now that Youngs will be brewed at Charles Wells it is likely that the beer will never taste the same again anyway.
John Rooth