Winchester city pub The Rising Sun reduces hours amid closure fears

The Rising Sun, in Bridge Street, has been forced to reduce its hours in hope of paying off its rising debts amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The pub has been hit with soaring gas and electric bills, increasing from £300 to £2,000 a month without use of the kitchen. With prices so high, the team has had to stop offering food.

Owner Rob Plunton, 37, said: “It’s the gas and electric that’s killed us off. We started take away food which kept us going throughout covid but with the new gas contract we’ve had to stop cooking.

The Rising Sun, Bridge Street, Winchester (Image: Adele Bouchard)

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“The future of the pub is not looking good. Full closure is definitely on the cards, we’re in need of a miracle.

"It’s really sad because we’re one of the last remaining independent pubs in Winchester. It’s a community-led pub so everyone wants what’s best for us. The staff have all been really understanding. The customers knew something was up so they understand too but they’re really sad. For some, especially the older ones, all they have is pub life.

Rob Plunton and his family outside the pub (Image: Rob Plunton)

“We have two Ukrainians living above the pub who have been there since the war began and they’d have to find somewhere else too if we were to close.

“It’s heartbreaking. We worked hard to buy the pub outright from the brewery and built it up from nothing. There’s a lot of memories, it’s done a lot of good for the community.”

The Rising Sun is now closed on Tuesdays and only open from 3pm throughout the week and from midday on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Mr Plunton, who’s been at the pub for nine years, said: “It's not a decision we have taken lightly and are doing it in the best interest of the business. The lunchtime trade has died off so this means we won’t be paying our staff for these hours. Hopefully, this way we can catch up on our debts, we’re still bustling with debts from Covid.”

The publican hopes to agree to better terms with his creditors so to return the pub to its former glory and longer hours.

In addition to Rob, The Rising Sun has one full-time member of staff and another employee working part-time who's had to start another job to make up for the reduced hours.

The front of the building dates back to the 17th century with cellars which were originally part of the Bishop’s court when he had authority over the area called The Soke.