Geoff and I were out for a winter walk around Milland, West Sussex last month but it was so wet and muddy under foot we had to cut it short and ended up at The Rising Sun earlier than expected. It was just as well really because it was only just after midday and already the car park was rather full, always a good sign.
Walking through the main entrance you find yourself in the bar area where there are several tables and chairs plus a cosy log fire with soft chairs around it. To the right and left are two more dining areas. When we arrived both had only a couple of tables without a reserved sign on them so we were very lucky.
The Rising Sun is a Fullers pub and won the Griffin Trophy in November 2015 after winning their category the previous year.
Geoff enjoyed a pint of their golden ale, Oliver’s Island whilst I had a very nice fruity glass of Argentinian Malbec – although I’ve never quite forgiven them for the Falklands conflict ?
Service was very friendly and welcoming and we noticed it with other customers too. There’s an extensive menu with several specials written on the blackboard upon the wall. It was hard for me to chose as I liked the sound of most of the dishes but as it was lunch time and Helen was cooking for us that evening I opted for a burger, grilled halloumi, roasted mushroom, aubergine & red pepper stack in a brioche bun with harissa onion relish.
It was all very tasty. Large chunks of roasted peppers, a lovely big fat juicy mushroom and a couple of slices of halloumi. The brioche bun was fresh and the harissa onion relish added some extra flavour and spice. The dish came with tons of fries.
Geoff had the steak ciabatta which was also very fresh, served with onion rings and chunky chips – on a wooden board, unfortunately. I was lucky, I had a proper plate.
The salted caramel and chocolate tart I ordered for dessert was nice enough although I would have liked a softer texture, like a mousse. Personally it all felt a little hard. A thin chocolate sweet pastry base, a layer of salted caramel and the chocolate on top. The ice-cream was delicious though, so too were the praline pieces.
Geoff went for the Apple & berry flapjack crumble with custard.
This was delicious Geoff said and the berries were full of flavour and it was the best crumble he’d had for quite a while! Now there’s a complement.
Served with our bill – which always makes it easier to accept – were a handful of gummy bears.
The pub is situated on Iping Road, at the crossroads in Milland. For cyclists who want a lovely steep climb there’s ‘wonderful’ Milland Hill which is a 25%er if you head north towards the B2070. Enjoy 😉
Ambience 8
Service 9
Value 7
Quality 8
Return? Yes, we hope to return for an evening meal very soon.
Living life, loving cake
A x