The Sun Hotel, like many of the pubs in the town centre, has recently undergone a refurbishment. One which is actually for the better. The hotel is situated at the corner of Sun Street and Church Street and now extends along Church Street for an extra building. The 2 have been knocked through for easy access. The frontage now boasts 2 front doors. The main large glass door is used by the hotel residents to enter and leave the building without having to manoeuvre through the often very busy bar area.

The smaller door to the left of the main one takes you directly to the bar area. The refurbishment has been done very well, uncovering in the process old features such as an original door and the old stone walls.

The bar, though small, is well stocked and a wide and varied selection of spirits and wines are available. The Sun now prides itself on quality beers and lagers from around the world. These are all kept well and served in particular glasses depending on your brew of choice. Prices are a little above the norm but, that said, you do pay for quality. For the non alcohol drinkers there are coffees and teas as well as various soft drinks.

Food is also of a very high quality with breakfasts that can be made to measure. You pay for a number of items, and then choose from the selection to form your meal. You can choose from a selections of sausages, bacons, eggs, toast and beans - the list goes on and yes, those plurals are meant to be there - you get a selection of everything.

That’s breakfast dealt with, what about lunch? Again there is a selection affair this time including cheeses and cured meats. There is of course a varied selection of ‘normal’ meals or a choice perhaps from the specials board.

The layout of the drinking areas is well thought out. The main bar area is mainly involved around bar stools standing around the wooden pillars. This gives the area a good friendly atmosphere as on a weekend night this area becomes very busy. Then there are the obligatory window seats at a more respectable height.

Leaving the bar area into the building next door is a more open plan arrangement, though the seating doesn’t seem in keeping with the rest of the hotel. There are low tables with pouffes near the windows; these are changed nearer the back of the room to large dining tables and chairs.

One note on this area is that it is used it display the works of various local artists. This room is actually split into two separate areas via a windowed wall, the area at the back being non-smoking. Offset from this back room is another space which is used as for conference/business lunches.

A recent completion this summer is that of a beer garden at the back of the building. This really does feel just like an extension of the interior.

The Sun has this year won the Pub of the Year Award 2005.
All in all it offers a quality eating and drinking experience. If you have tried Sante and The Water Witch which are run by the same landlord then you’ll recognise the style.

Matt Cooper
16/9/2005