RISING SUN Pub of Rochester

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Rochester, December, 2024.

Page Updated:- Sunday, 15 December, 2024.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1857-

Rising Sun

Open 2024+

6 Delce Road

Rochester

07951 502078

https://whatpub.com/rising-sun

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo, circa 1970, showing the Bat and Trap winners. Showing Cecil Wiley and his two sons, Paul on the left and Kevin on the right.

Above photo 2009 by Chris Whippet Creative Commons Licence.

Above image taken from Google maps 2012.

Above photo 2023.

Above photo, circa 2024.

Above sign left, July 1986, sign right, January 2001.

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

Edward Harris of "Rochester Inns and Signs" says the following:- "This inn has also been re-built. One peculiarity of the old house was, that it dispensed strong liquors inside. On the outside, at the upper end, was a covered well-house and well where the aqua pura could be obtained free of charge.

"The "Rising Sun" was a badge of Edward III and forms part of the arms of Ireland, but the sun shining was a cognizance of several kings."

There is reference in a Victorian newspaper cutting, (which I haven't seen yet) stating that a man went into the pub's outside toilets and cut his own throat! The room is still there. Licensees also claim that they have seen three different ghosts in the pub, one claiming that they had seen a ghost on the landing of a lady wearing a long dress.

From the Kentish Gazette, 6 October 1857.

Refusing a Billet.

Mr. Welch, of the "Rising Sun," in St. Margaret’s parish, was summoned for an infringement of the Mutiny Act, in having refused to allow a private and two horses of the 7th Dragoons to be billeted at his house. The facts were not disputed, but the defendant explained that he had no stabling to his house, and as his wife was extremely ill at the time, as he had but a child at home he could not again leave the house. He had been previously endeavouring to procure accommodation for the horses, but was unable to do so, as the "Star" and Baker’s stable were quite full. The mayor (Wm. Manclark, Esq.,) denounced the conduct of defendant in strong terms, and fined him 40s. and costs.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Nicola Jordan, 27 April 2023.

The Rising Sun pub in King Street, Rochester, opens after major £280k revamp.

A traditional back street boozer has been given a £280,000 makeover to include lavish new fixtures and fittings, a revamped historic bar and an ornamental willow tree.

The Rising Sun in Rochester has welcomed back regulars and new customers after it reopened on Wednesday after a major refit and expansion.

The pub in King Street, just a couple of minutes from the busy town centre, is famed for its live music and quiz nights.

So back by popular demand will be the Wednesday night open mic sessions and weekly pool competitions and quiz night with cheese board.

New owner Billy Dutton hopes to help attract folk music fans who would frequent the now closed Good Intent pub, which was a short walk away.

He has enlisted the help of its former landlady Karen Woebley for the launch of the new-look hostelry.

Billy, 31, who grew up in Medway and has worked in the licensing trade both here and in London, said: “We hope to fill the gap left by the "Good Intent."

New owner Billy Dutton wants to hold live music events and entertainment.

The Rising Sun in Rochester reopens after a massive makeover, including patio beer garden.

“We have 11 bands lined up for the Sweeps Festival and we hope to encourage the Morris dancers who take part to come in for a drink.”

Billy took over the Admirals brewery tenancy last July after helping out with the refit and relaunch of the Queen Charlotte in the high street.

He said :”We wanted to maintain its historic, Victoriany look. We have focused the on the old bar making it look really pretty and framing it as a feature.

“We have knocked down a wall and gone into the largely disused kitchen so we have room for an extra 20 seating.”

The enclosed garden has now been paved over and there is an outdoor bar for drinking alfresco.

Billy Dutton, behind the bar, with partner Kieran Miguel at The Rising Sun in Rochester.

The traditional boozer has been given a fresh new look.

New furniture and furnishings at the Rochester pub.

Billy, who studied events management at college and worked in pubs in London, said: “After Covid, I decided I wanted to be closer to home and put down roots.

“I took on this pub just to see and have decided to give it a go.

“With my training, every day is an event.

“We can’t compete with the high street for food. It will be more like a food offering with food sharing dishes.

“There’s nothing similar in the high street. Many of the staff who work there come here to relax.

A new outdoor bar has been added to the backstreet boozer.

Billy, who has been closely involved in the re-design said: “I would describe it as quirky, Victoriany and welcoming. The decor is bright, peacocky colours.

“At the end of the day, it’s the guests that make a pub and not the building.”

LICENSEE LIST

WELCH John 1857-70+

SINCLAIR Donald 1874+

BOWDEN Samuel 1878+

SEARS Alfred 1881+ (age 38 in 1881)