A COUNTRY pub with a 600-year history has undergone a total refurb after it was bought by the couple living next door.

Barry and Sarnia McGoun snapped up the Rising Sun, at Knapp, after the previous tenant left in Christmas 2019.

The premises, parts of which date from the mid-1450s, needed a full rewire, the kitchen needed updating and a window that had fallen out of the manager's flat had to be replaced.

Mrs McGoun said: "We took the opportunity to refurbish the whole place and bring this wonderful old lady up to the standard this historic building deserved.

"We put in for planning permission to extend the kitchens and rebuild the porch, as well as internal renovations. Then Covid-19 hit.

"With outstanding local support, we eventually got the planning through and started the work, albeit slowly - the supply chain was incredibly slow and we had specialist equipment to install."

'The Riser' has now been completely renovated, although it still retains its historic features such as the Elizabethan bar, the snug, a well and the crooked walls. There are five separate areas dating from various eras.

"We hope we have kept the integrity of this wonderful old inn," said Mrs McGoun.

The pub is managed by chef Olly Jackson and his wife, front of house Rebecca. The couple previously ran the Langford. Matt Price supports Olly in the kitchens, while bar manager Sam is keen to develop a cocktail menu.

Mrs McGoun added: "Although The Riser is a food-led pub, it has also been preserved as a village local and drinkers are very welcome, whether it is for a night out with friends or popping in for a cooling drink, coffee or hot chocolate and freshly-baked pastries or lunch during a walk with or without the dog.

"Four-legged friends are very welcome in the bar or beer garden overlooking the fields - as are their well-behaved owners whether it is in wellies or stilettos.

"We are developing and expanding the menu as time goes by."

The pub uses local produce and the suppliers are listed on the constantly changing menu and website.

"We prefer food yards to food miles where possible and know the fields where most of the food was grown, the boat the fish was caught from and stock the bar with as many local beverages as possible," said Mrs McGoun.

As with most of the hospitality industry, the Rising Sun is looking for staff both in the kitchen and front of house.

It currently ope,ns from 10am to closing time from Wednesday to Saturday, when dinner is served and from noon to 4pm on Sundays, with lunches.