Winchester city pub The Rising Sun forced to close for good

The Rising Sun, in Bridge Street, closed its doors for the final time this month.

Just three months on from owner Rob Plunton saying the team would need a miracle to stay open, he announced on Facebook that the “economic bite” had gotten the better of them.

READ MORE: Winchester city pub The Rising Sun reduces hours amid closure fears

Mr Plunton, 37, posted: “This is probably one of the hardest things I have had to write, but here we go. After almost a decade of being at The Rising Sun, today we will close the doors for the very last time.

“Unfortunately, the economic bite has finally got the better of us. With the inflated Gas and Electricity prices as well as constant price increases from suppliers (resulting in higher retail prices) and ultimately meaning reduced trade we simply can't afford to go on any longer.

“For those that think I have just given up because I’ve been a bit distant the past few months, that simply is not the case, but when you literally have nothing left to put in and you have used all avenues, it is hard to watch the business you have worked so hard to build up fall back down around you.

“And although it is a very sad day, there is also so much good that has come from the place that me, my family and many others will be eternally grateful for.”

The Rising Sun (Image: Adele Bouchard)

The publican listed some of The Rising Sun’s highlights such as drum and bass nights for musicians just starting out, helping elderly customers, housing Ukrainian refugees and its takeaway success during Covid.

SEE ALSO: City pub remains closed despite owners' original plans for it to re-open by September

Mr Plunton said his family will continue to host the two Ukrainians, who’ve lived above the pub for more than a year, for as long as they can.

Despite the popularity of its food, with gas and electric bills increasing from £300 to £2,000 a month without using the kitchen, the pub was forced to stop cooking.

In a final effort to cut costs, the pub reduced its opening hours from June but it wasn’t enough to save the business.

Mr Plunton concluded the post by saying: “The Rising Sun has touched so many hearts and I hope to God that it will one day re-open and someone will be able to get as much enjoyment out of the place as we did.

“Thank you to each and every one of you who helped make our dream possible, helped grow our family and especially a big thank you to those who stuck it out until the end when things weren't great.”