Watering hole rises up the ranks after being named among UK’s Top 16 Pubs

The Rising Sun's licencee Mark Granger with glasses of beer and cider and his Weimaraner dogs Willow, left, and Delkeigh.

The Rising Sun in Berkhamsted has been named in CAMRA’s pub of the year competition and is now in the running to win the coveted  title of national pub of the year.

Former teacher Mark Granger, who has run the pub with husband Nigel for  almost eight years, said: “We’re chuffed. I’m grinning like a Cheshire cat.

“The Rising Sun has had great support from the Mid Chilterns CAMRA branch, from our customers and our neighbours.”

The top 16 pubs have been released to mark the launch of the Good Beer Guide 2016.

Editor Roger Protz said: “Being named in the top 16 in Britain is something these pubs should be hugely proud of and is testament to how hard each of the pubs work to get this far, winning their local and now regional pub award.

“The next step is to be judged against each other in the National Pub of the Year competition, which will see one of the 16 crowned as the best pub in the whole  country.”

The drinking venues are judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, value for money, customer mix and, of course, quality of beer.

The canal-side Rising Sun, known locally as The Riser, stood out for its four changing guest beers and 15 real ciders/perries, which are accompanied by French  ciders, snuff, cigars and unusual spirits and liquors.

But while celebrating, Mark also warned that people need to start frequenting their local pubs or risk losing them.

He said: “Support them otherwise they will go. We are down to just under 60,000 pubs today.

“A pub can’t sit on its laurels and believe that people are going to walk through the door. They are not.”

He said a friendly welcome is essential along with hosting regular events such as quiz and folk nights.

“In the old days, the pub, the church and the post office were the three places that people met,” said Mark.

“Not as many people are going to church, post offices are closing left, right and  centre and pubs are closing. We are something that should be cherished and should be used.”

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