ABOUT US
Feeling ten feet tall situated in the Quantock hills, banish City thrills for cosier feels!
Stepping into a countryside canvas you have to explore, our unique pub is not one to ignore. The Idyllic marriage between 15th century values with a modernistic splash of panache, we are the perfect escapism for a spontaneous dash.
The best in the West - whether you’re staying in our hotel, experiencing our fine dining or visiting some of our natures treasures, our stay & scenic combination is captivating in all seasons & weathers.
Quite simply the best pub in Somerset, this famous stop off, breakaway or staycation is sweeping the nation with its array of fine dining, unrivalled atmosphere & chic interiors.
If it’s good enough for Johnny Depp, Rowan Atkinson & Peter Andre, then it’s good enough for us. That’s right, all the way from the red carpet to our rustic doors, this star studded cast were lured in by Somerset’s gorgeous views & authentic countryside food.
With a pinch of stardust & ripe with talent, it’s our devoted & skilled chefs who play a starring role in ensuring every meal is served with fine dining appeal for a Hollywood look! For your cameo appearance, pop on by for a festive feast, a seasonal occasion or ‘just because’.
With great food, great service, and hikes that support any type of attire (even a Jimmy Choo) stumble upon a well deserved break, palate pleasing tastes & a revolving lens of stunning views.
Michelle & Paul
The Rising Sun owners Michelle & Paul Fabian and their team will become very familiar faces; for once you’ve been to The Rising Sun, you’ll want to go back.
Owners Michelle and Paul have a wealth of corporate and hospitality experience gained in the Oil, Gas, Airline & Aviation industries. They have spent a lot of time working internationally, holding senior positions and managing businesses throughout London, Sydney and Dubai in the Middle East. Now the couple are using that combined experience to make The Rising Sun near Taunton just that … an experience to remember for every customer who walks through the pub’s ancient door which dates right back to the 15th century door.
Michelle says: “A pub has to have personality, and the moment we walked in the doors of The Rising Sun, we knew this was the one for us. We felt at home, and now we are here to make sure that everyone who walks through our door feels exactly the same warm welcome and relaxed atmosphere.
MEET OUR TEAM
ELLIE WAKEMAN
TRACY BARONS
Tracy is now in her second stint working at The Rising Sun … and is loving being back.
She was first there three years ago and if you wonder what a Commi Chef does then her role is to prepare fresh food, make the desserts and plate up the starters, puddings and main meals.
So if you love the way your food is presented, it’s likely Tracy will have done it.
Sous Chef
JADE SHORNEY
Born & raised in Somerset, Jade is a talented leader with a vibrant presence in the kitchen.
Initially bubbling through the ranks, before overspilling with unique ability, she served recognition in 2019 as a semi finalist of the ‘south west chef of the year’.
Stepping up to the plate, her innovative ideas & passion are indicative of our principles & philosophy at the Rising Sun.
Head Chef
BELLA PIETROVA
Our senior Sous Chef Bella Peterova is an extraordinarily bright and talented chef and individual.
Bella's cooking experience has taken her all around the world from the humble fresh French Patisseries of Paris to the luxury cruise ships of Miami, to the rich mixture of cuisine of the Middle East working in some of the Dubai's most prestigious hotels.
Senior Sous Chef
CHARLOTTE BARONS
Packed with a personality to savour & sprinkled with a sweet demeanour, our suitably talented pastry chef Charlotte is a treat for not only the customers she serves, but for those lucky enough to meet her in person.
Top tip: With a pinch of excellence & a dash of food trends inspo - we’d advise to never dessert a desert whilst we have Charlotte on board.
Pastry Chef
ELLIE WAKEMAN
LEAH GILLARD
One of our own, Leah joined us in 2021 - impressing before she set foot in the door with her polite, professional & kind nature.
Delighted with Leah’s endless scroll of achievements, Leah is on the cusp of beginning an exciting apprenticeship in 2022, where she will study hospitality, adding another string to her flexible bow.
Front of House
DAN HOLE
Teenager Dan is known as Dan Can as he’s the pub’s ‘go to’ person if anything needs doing.
Apart from sorting out the drinks, he’s something of a handyman and will fix anything that needs repairing or can put tricky things up like mirrors.
Dan, who you’ll also see serving food when it gets really busy, was born in Somerset.
Bartender
MIA HANCOCK
Mia has lived in West Bagborough all her life and The Rising Sun has been a big part of it … never more than now since she started working here as a waitress in the spring of 2021. The 16-year-old loves the fact the village and the pub are such a naturally friendly place.
She says: “The pub feels like home to me as I’ve been going to it all my life with my family and working here is something I’ve wanted to do for such a long time.”
Waitress
ELLIE WAKEMAN
Ellie is our front of house manager at The Rising Sun and runs a team of eight making sure every customer gets the best possible service; for customer service is the be all and end all for Ellie, who says: “From our first smile when customers enter the pub to when we say goodbye and thank you we want everything to the best it can possibly be for them."
Front of House Manager
And our little friends...
Coco is the Rising Sun’s dog. Being a former rescue dog, she is adored by her owners Michelle and Paul. They want to show a warm welcome to all of the customers K9 friends.
So everyone is welcome, including dogs, and on our dog menu we offer doggie sausages!
DOG MENU
Sausage
Hot Dog
Chips
Ice Cream
DOG MENU
DOGGIE SAUSAGES
COCO
WE WELCOME YOU TO OUR...
Wine Cellar
We have teamed up with some of the regions top wine suppliers to put together a unique, interesting, varied and value-packed wine selection for you to try and enjoy, from Champagne and sparkling wines to rośe, classic blends and refreshing whites.
The Rising Sun’s bar is both warm and inviting with its traditional oak-panelled bar accompanied by amber lighting.
This 16th century Inn has been the heart of its community for hundreds of years. Serving local ales, ciders and a fully stocked wine cellar.
BAR
Our Cuisine
Keen for top level cuisine? Our considered & meticulous menu’s are are foodies dream and are good mood food personified! Whilst we never compromise on our countryside specialities, we’re continuously Interchanging elements of our menu to comply with food industry trends in order to grant our visitors wishes when it comes fo their favourite dishes.
Our restaurant is divided into four unique areas, each with its own charm and characteristics. The main bar area is filled with local atmosphere. Piano Bar, Snug and the upper floor with views of the Quantock Hills, one of the highest points in Somerset.
RESTAURANT
Our Rooms
Our 15th century rooms are the perfect balance between modernistic style & vintage farmhouse sophistication. As soon as you place your bags down, you’ll be able to see, hear and feel the warming rustic conventions that Somerset has to offer as you draw open your curtains to view the picturesque countryside!
Whether you’re revisiting countryside nostalgia or getting away from the hustle & bustle of the city, our customer experience principles and entertainment narrative paves the way to a relaxing stay & lays the all the foundations of an idyllic holiday.
HOTEL
Book Online
Packed with sweet & savoury treats and complete with a charming drink selection that’s overspilling with character, our delightfully affordable & luxurious afternoon tea epitomises the countryside, serving up the authentic experience you have been searching for. Immerse yourself in luxury you deserve & transform your relaxation vision to fruition.
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Breakfast
Feeling romantic? Rediscover your inner Casanova & climb through a window of opportunity to be spontaneous! Enjoying the mesmerising views in more ways than one, treat that special someone to an unforgettable fine dining experience that they deserve. Already in love with our stunningly affordable prices, feel love struck once more as you fall for our exquisite menu.
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Romantic Dinner
