Business Details
Your Local Traditional Pub & Restaurant in Stourmouth
Established in 1709, The Rising Sun Free House has been a cornerstone of Stourmouth village life for over three centuries. Owned by Chris and Carole Leaper, we combine historic charm with modern hospitality, offering a welcoming environment where quality food and attentive service remain paramount. Our 14th-century building retains original features like wooden beams and flagstone floors, creating a unique atmosphere for dining, drinking, and socialising. We specialise in freshly prepared meals using locally sourced seasonal ingredients, complemented by a selection of real ales and fine wines.Our two comfortable double bedrooms provide ideal accommodation for visitors exploring Kent's 'Garden of England'. With extensive experience hosting weddings and events, we offer tailored solutions for occasions ranging from intimate gatherings to celebrations for 100+ guests. Our commitment to preserving traditional pub culture while meeting modern expectations has made us a beloved local establishment and destination venue.
Services
Pub
Restaurant
Wedding Receptions
Bed and Breakfast
Golfing Breaks
Highlights and features
- We offer centuries of hospitality experience in a historic setting
- Our menus feature locally sourced seasonal ingredients prepared by skilled chefs
- We provide flexible event spaces for weddings and celebrations
- Our B & B accommodation combines comfort with convenient Kentish location
- We maintain traditional pub atmosphere with modern service standards
What people say
Great food
Friendly bartenders
Perfect for parties
Delicious food
Lovely staff
Services
Pub
Our traditional pub offers a wide selection of real ales, wines, and spirits in a historic setting dating back to 1372. The bar features leather sofas by a wood-burning stove, a spacious terrace, and beer garden. We serve casual meals and snacks throughout the day, maintaining a friendly atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. Open Wednesday to Saturday 11am-11pm and Sundays 12-7pm.
Restaurant
Our restaurant serves freshly prepared meals using locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The menu includes a la carte options and daily specials, with service available Wednesday-Saturday 12-2:30pm & 6:30-8:30pm, and Sundays 12-4:30pm. The space also hosts private dining events and wedding receptions for up to 100 guests.
Wedding Receptions
We offer fully licensed wedding venues with two function rooms and outdoor spaces. Our experienced team provides tailored packages including catering, venue hire, and event coordination. Services accommodate intimate gatherings or large celebrations up to 100+ guests, with accommodation available for wedding parties.
Bed and Breakfast
Our two en-suite double bedrooms provide comfortable overnight stays in Kent's countryside. Each room includes off-road parking, central heating, complimentary toiletries, and tea/coffee facilities. Ideal for exploring Canterbury, Sandwich, and Kent's coastal towns, with rates at 90 per night including breakfast.
Golfing Breaks
We offer golfing packages near Kent's premier courses including Royal St George's and Princes Golf Club. Services include accommodation, meals, secure golf equipment storage, and local knowledge of the area. Our location provides easy access to over 90 Kent golf courses for both casual and competitive players.
People
Chris Leaper
Owner
Chris Leaper co-owns The Rising Sun with Carole, preserving its historic character while modernising hospitality offerings. With extensive experience in the hospitality industry, he focuses on maintaining traditional pub values combined with contemporary service standards.
Carole Leaper
Owner
Carole Leaper partners with Chris in managing The Rising Sun, combining historic preservation with modern hospitality. She oversees event coordination and guest services, ensuring visitors experience the pub's unique atmosphere and Kentish charm.
Questions
What services does The Rising Sun offer?
We provide pub dining with real ales, a restaurant serving seasonal meals, Bed & Breakfast accommodation, wedding/event hosting, and golfing break packages near Kent's premier courses.
Do you have accommodation options?
Yes, we offer two en-suite double bedrooms with modern amenities, located in Kent's tranquil countryside, ideal for exploring the region.
Can I host a wedding at The Rising Sun?
Yes, we're fully licensed for civil ceremonies and receptions with capacity for up to 100 guests across two function rooms and outdoor spaces.
What are your opening hours?
The bar is open Wednesday-Saturday 11am-11pm and Sundays 12-7pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays except Bank Holidays.
Are golfing packages available?
Yes, we offer golf breaks near Royal St George's and Princes Golf Clubs, including accommodation, meals, and equipment storage.
Reviews (7)
Yasin Ziya
Dec 20, 2021
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Excellent local pub and restaurant. The in interior layout is great and cosy, there is plenty of room inside and out and they can cater for large groups of people. Food is excellent and the staff are very friendly and helpful. A pleasant visit and would like to visit again in the summer.
Karen Birch
Dec 18, 2021
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Fantastic wedding venue. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Food delicious and the atmosphere magical. Thankyou
Reg Harper
Sep 28, 2021
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Ambience was perfect, restaurant was clean & inviting, staff were polite & professional, food was excellent, perfectly cooked & piping hot. Definitely returning
Julie Ferguson
Sep 13, 2021
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Tried their evening menu recently with friends. Very pleased to say that it was well worth a visit and will be returning very soon.
Firstly, good decor and very clean and adhering to covid 19 measures. The staff were all friendly and nothing too much trouble. All of us enjoyed our tasty meals and the waitresses were very attentive, more drinks, desserts etc.
Prices were good and not hyped up.
Definately want to go back and try other dishes on their menu. Please keep up the high standard, greatly appreciated, thanks.
Firstly, good decor and very clean and adhering to covid 19 measures. The staff were all friendly and nothing too much trouble. All of us enjoyed our tasty meals and the waitresses were very attentive, more drinks, desserts etc.
Prices were good and not hyped up.
Definately want to go back and try other dishes on their menu. Please keep up the high standard, greatly appreciated, thanks.
Kathrin Hartmann
Sep 07, 2021
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Ran from this pub with our running group and we were all pleasantly surprised how nice it was as we'd heard some not so nice comments about it. Very friendly staff and owners, extensive food menu (and not just your standard pub grub, the salad combo with halloumi, watermelon and strawberries was delish!) and a lovely outside area, perfect for our big group. And we even spotted a pool table! None of us had been here before but many said they'd want to come back!
Robert Peacock
Aug 09, 2021
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Held a wedding reception here, The whole experience was fantastic every attention to detail was taken care of very professional but also very helpful and friendly too. Would highly recommend The Rising Sun.
Mary MacDonald
Jul 08, 2021
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Absolutely delicious meal. Best chateaubriand I have ever had. The staff were so lovely and friendly. Would definitely recommend. Great atmosphere too. Just lovely.
