The Rising Sun Knapp - Taunton

I had the most amazing meal in a laid-back and welcoming environment. I was disappointed to hear that this was one of the final services before closing for a period of time.

I discovered this gem of a restaurant that serves incredible food and cocktails, with superb staff!

Popped in for the first time tonight. Stunning! Friendly staff, pub was immaculate and had a beautiful merlot. We shall be back to try the food

The Rising Sun, owned by Barry and Sarnia McGoun and managed by chef Olly Jackson and his charming wife, Rebecca, is one of the loveliest traditional pubs I've ever had the pleasure of visiting in England (the Highlands of Scotland where I live doesn't have pubs as such, just bars). This country pub with its 600-year history was completely and tastefully refurbished after it was purchased by the couple, who live next door. The Rising Sun retains much of its Elizabethan charm and features. As the owners point out, although a food-led pub, it's preserved as the village local. Drinkers are most welcome, for a night out with chums, popping in for myriad beverages and freshly baked pastries. Dogs are welcome with their well-behaved owners in gum boots or stilettos. We were a family party of ten last Sunday. The cuisine was second to none. Ollie is the consummate perfectionist. The food was not only a sight to behold, but also an exquisite taste to match. They work with Strode College to provide NVQ level qualifications in Front of House and Cooking. Most of the qualification is completed in house (the exception, if any assistance is needed, for mathematics and English key skills). They pay above the apprentice wage. This is a super opportunity to work alongside a very experienced team and gain qualifications that can take apprentices worldwide! I can always tell the atmosphere of anywhere the moment I set foot in the door. We were warmly welcomed. Sam is superb at the bar. Enthusiastic and gregarious, he's always developing new cocktails. Fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, beers ales and gins are locally sourced. Mel and the other staff catered for our every need. There was no waiting for service. They appeared as if by magic. Their whole approach was genuine and professional without being sycophantic. They were good humoured and fun to be with. Compare that to places who offer service with a snarl and one has to spend so much time trying to attract attention to request items that should be there in the first place. One of the tricks I used when taking groups of friends to dinner in London was to give a substantial tip up front and say, if the meal was to everybody's satisfaction, I would double the tip...if not, I'd have the earlier tip back. It worked like a dream every time. After all, what is the point of waiting to the end of the meal, only to find everything is below par? The other thing I used to request was to provide a menu with no prices on it, which made my guests more comfortable when treated. The Rising Sun required no such shenanigans on our parts. We just knew the evening would be memorable and perfect in every conceivable way. This establishment has weathered the Covid storm and flourished. Long may The Rising Sun's good fortunes continue. Most highly recommended.

By far the best meal we have had in a very long time. Staff were warm and welcoming as was the ambience and the food. We'll worth the drive into the sticks to find it and can't wait to go again.