The Rising Sun, Woolaston in Forest of Dean

Had a great walk to the pub along the Gloucester Way walk, and despite getting a bit lost and arriving later than anticipated, and the kitchen had just closed a few minutes before, they were more than happy to do us some food. We sat outside in their lovely garden and our food came promptly and was absolutely delicious. Great friendly service, and would recommend. Thank you so much!

Sunday lunch for me and my wife. Starters were Prawn cocktail and I had homemade veg soup. Then I had the beef and my wife had the pork. Plenty of meat on the plates. Mixed veg in a dish which was enough for 3 and a large bowl of Cauliflower Cheese also. I am a big eater but this was a challenge. The quality of the food was excellent. The set price for 2 courses was £19 which is very reasonable. One of the best Sunday lunches we've had. It's Best to book ahead as it is a very popular pub. There is a wide variety of options on the Sunday lunch menu.

Lovely traditional village pub with excellent food. We both had a delicious homemade lamb and mint pie. So tasty, generous portions, loads of meat in the pie, really great home style cooking. I would definitely recommend. It had such a friendly vibe and was very dog friend too.

Visited the Rising Sun this Sunday visiting family in the area. Myself and my partner decided to try the baguettes that they had on ‘specials’. Very disappointed by our experience. Took over an hour for 2 baguettes. Paid £2 each for roasties. Asked the lady behind bar how long food would be after an hour, and she said it would still be another 10 mins. When our food finally arrived, we were given 2 roast potatoes. £1 each for a roast potato, disgusting! My partner went and asked if there was anymore potatoes to come, which the lady behind the bar replied that they usually only comes with 2 potatoes. She was very sarcy in her comment, pulling a very stupid face, which my partner found very rude. Potatoes were hard on the inside and we only ate them because we were that hungry after waiting for so long. A lovely day was truly spoilt by our experience. Definitely not value for money!

Sat down at our table for 2.30 .. 3.30 starters arrived by this time I'm getting light headed and my hands are shaking . Garlic mushrooms on "crispy bread" =a few mushrooms swimming in a cream sauce (did not taste of any garlic) on soggy bread . It must of been stood waiting as the sauce had completely soaked the bread leaving it like a damp nappy. I pointed this out to the waitress who mumbled" I'm sorry " before lurching off to the kitchen with our plates . A local informed us that there was only two girls running the place ...maybe they should get more staff possibly a chef ?? Main course arrived at 3.50 to be honest the beef was good but the veg was disappointing..think school dinners and the service was awful as our waitress dumped the veg down with a sarky "enjoy" ..she didn't return to ask us if we needed anything or if it was ok and not even to clear the plates or ask for the bill. We went up to the bar to pay (barmaid back to the pub reading a piece of paper ) as I was there I looked around to see how busy they were.thinking maybe thats the reason ...nope . 3 tables in the bar , 8 in the garden and from the crashing and swearing coming from the kitchen there was more staff hiding in there . Decor = lovely proper old pub Food = disappointing Cost =average Service = abysmal Will not be returning.

Popped in only for drinks & ended up staying for Sunday roast when we caught sight of other customer’s plates. The food was truly awesome- choice of 3 meats: Gammon, turkey or beef or all three for a little extra. The vegetables were fresh & cooked perfectly - parsnips, carrots, cauliflower, red cabbage & peas. Golden, crispy roast potatoes, stuffing, Yorkshire pudding & lashings of gravy! We haven’t had such a good tasty Sunday roast in a long while! Choice of one, two or three courses all at a special price & the option to have a smaller portion. The service was really friendly & timely. All round a very positive experience & we’ll definitely be returning. Thank you ‘The Rising Sun @ Woolaston’ for making our day!

This is a lovely little pub. The staff are very welcoming and friendly. The garden is great and the breakfast club they do on the 1st Saturday of the month is great. Food is good large selection of drinks on offer. Have been in with family and friends for food or drinks and always been made very welcome. The milky bar in the garden is a great. The kids and adults love it. Good luck to the new team here. Onwards and upwards.

Visited the pub twice this year both times poor service and mediocre food at best. Tonight was the worst experience by far the 2 young female bar staff were too busy talking about who they would date in the pub and eating hot food behind the bar with there fingers, whilst serving a customer every now and then with a drink if they were a local !! I have no issue with waiting for a drink but not whilst bar staff were to busy gossiping This place used to be a brilliant well run place not sure whats happened, maybe some training of the bar staff may bring it back up to standard like it once was

Thought we would try this pub again as haven't been here for a long time as didn't like the landlady running it before, she was very rude!! All I can say is what a disappointment! Food over priced, I had the pasta which was mushy and bland, my husband had a pie, and again very disappointing, this pub has always been known for its amazing pies. Most shocking service or should I say no service! We were not asked if our food was OK and we were not offered any other drinks during our meal. Couldn't get anyone's attention as the two similar looking bar staff with glasses had their backs to the bar and were engrossed in their own conversation. Also seen there were unhappy customers come in for a milkshake from a shack out in the garden which wasn't open again, so left with very upset children. It's a shame to see this lovely village pub being ruined by no customer service.

This was always one of our go to places when Sophie had The Rising Sun as the food, atmosphere and staff was always 10/10. Such a shame with how much the place has gone down hill. The quality of food isn’t the same at all, and they definitely don’t have the vibrant atmosphere like before. If you bring back Sophie, then we will come back! Until then we are staying clear.

Great food, went in with family for a few beers and lunch. Staff are welcoming and friendly. We had baguettes, a ploughman’s and a burger. Food is top notch, massive portions. Chips are delicious (like those triple cooked chips you get). The beer here is on point too, had a few pints of both wye valley cask beers and they were fresh and tasty. I’ll add a couple pics!! Great decent village pub. Cannot fault it.

Informal lunch meeting friends. Two of us ordered cod and chip one had scampi. All scampi overcooked and cod very badly done dark and dry and well over cooked. Should have sent it all back but we all know what that means…….spoilt afternoon and ruined atmosphere. So we lived with it but would not trust it for food again. Lovely location and atmosphere otherwise.

A brilliant pub! I took my family for dinner very recently and needless to say, I wasn't disappointed. As soon as you walk through the door you are welcomed and instantly made to feel comfortable - a proper pub. Every member of staff was incredibly friendly and the service was to a very high standard. There was a wide range of choice on the menu and the family we all had something different. A delicious meal and very clearly a menu some serious time and thought has gone into it. I'd highly recommend visiting the Rising Sun. A true Family Pub vibe with fantastic service and great food at it's core.

Great pub in the country. Fabulous meal four of us. We had two curries fish chips and the homemade lasagna service was great. The staff were very efficient. Great night.

Popped in for lunch one afternoon and it was excellent. Great welcome from the chef / manager and waitress and the meal was lovely too! I will be back! Lovely local pub how it should be!

Where do I even begin from start to finish the team at the rising sun exceeded expectations for a surprise party! Amazing curry rice and chips served and the bar had beautiful decorations. Tom and Two Kate’s done an amazing job and I would highly recommend! Thank you Team Rising Sun amazing service and fabulous memories made!

I had booked a table for four, as we celebrated our wedding anniversary with friends As always ,lovely warm welcome from all staff Atmosphere was also good too Food including starters was absolutely lovely for all of us If fillet steak is on the specials board, as it was last night, order it, you won’t be disappointed ! We cannot praise the staff and chef highly enough at this lovely pub We have never had anything here,except exceptional food, good pint of Guinness as well Great attentive waitresses, who always have a smile on their faces and seem very happy and polite We keep coming back, need I say more Highly recommended and we will be back soon

Lovely food and portions. Friendly staff. Would recommend. Ideally, it is best to pre book as it's only a small pub. Good sized car park.

We were staying near here and drove past it and went in for lunch, friendly waitress, we had our dog with us and she bought him over some biscuits, we both ordered burgers, the portion was huge and tasty, chips well cooked, lovely friendly little pub, would definitely go again if we were ever in the area again.

Went to have a barmeal chose ham egg and chips my partner sausage mash and peas,my ham and eggs were ok but the chips were awful,burnt and tasted as if cooked in oil that needed changing weeks a go not a very good meal.My partners meal mash and peas ok bu the sausage was awful tasted cheap and tangy,Called waitress over and she suggested to her to order some thing else,not good enough,on going to the bar to pay complained again and still got charged the full amount.She said she would tell the chef as if that was going to help.Food cooked with no love for his profession.Pub was also so cold my partner kept her coat on.

Had Sunday dinner here two weeks in a row... can't fault it... beef one week . Lamb the next... coupled with a few beers..can't recommend enough....

We recently visited here when we were staying just down the road, we went one evening for drinks and were welcomed very quickly and served by a lovely lady. We then went back for lunch the following day and both had starters and then ploughman’s for lunch. The food came out quick and was HUGE! Portion size is brilliant we even come away with a bag full. Food tasted amazing and the atmosphere was great!

I went there today for a meal with my mother and grandmother for a light bite style type lunch. I have been to this pub many times for meals and milkshakes as they have a lovely ice cream/milkshake hut which I love! However, the service and food that I had were the worst that I have ever had!!! I mentioned to the waitress as I ordered my baguette that I am allergic to onions and to make sure that there were none in my food. However, when my food arrived, my salad was covered in onions!! So I had my food immediately sent back! The food took 35 minutes to arrive when we ordered three baguettes!! The bacon (as I ordered the bacon, Brie and cranberry baguette) was burnt and rock hard!!! The waitress didn’t even food check us, she mentioned it quietly as she walked over to another table!! I will not be returning here again for a meal!!! I would rate this experience a 0 if I could!!

Went for tea with family whilst on holiday. Great atmosphere. Food not so great. Both pies we ordered tasted odd so we didnt eat them. I’m not sure how to describe it. I’ve never had a pie I didn’t like. Staff not really interested. Charged us full whack. Won’t be back.

Lovely location. Very safe for children. Exceptionally friendly and very welcoming. Great value food

It’s difficult to find a traditional “local” pub, well this pub ticks all the boxes. The pub was full, all tables and standing room only. Nothing artificial or redesigned here. Great atmosphere, wholesome food, brilliant, efficient staff and landlady. We’ll be back.

A fantastic pint of Hereford Pale Ale and the Ploughman’s Platter - wow! Sophie has a great team around her & a supportive clientele

Visited tonight with my wife and our friends Lovely meal was enjoyed by all of us Mains and deserts were plentiful and tasty Will definitely be visiting again soon

Such a lovely place, great atmosphere, friendly helpful staff and lovely food, came with my mates and once again we had a great night

Took our granddaughter for Sunday lunch and it was great food. All the staff who work here are extremely friendly. Plenty of car parking and nothing not to like. Lovely, friendly local what more could you ask for.

I booked the table for a birthday meal for lunch , the lady who served us was so nice & we all ordered the same , the burger & chips , The chips were very greasy & the brown coating on the burger didn't taste very nice at all , the lunch plates were so small I had to ask for another plate so I could cut my food with out it all sliding off ! 🙁 it was such a shame as we are pensioners so we can’t afford to do this very often . we all left quite a lot of food 🙁 , I’m really not in the habit of complaining but I felt so let down.

I and a friend have been to Chepstow Racecourse today for a Classic car show and pre booked Sunday Lunch at Rising Sun. Arriving early we bought drinks and were shown to our table which was ready laid and had a nice wooden box on...

Lovely country pub with all the atmosphere. I went with a group of friends for Sunday lunch , all were delighted with the quality and service, I had the Lamb, succulent. tender with good portion size, served with fresh vegetables,

Love this pub! Warm and welcoming (log fire burning), the staff made us feel very welcome (and our dog). We ordered home made curry; steak and ale pie and a ham baguette. All the meals were super tasty, great portion size and served piping hot....

We took our daughter and boyfriend out for dinner as a midweek treat… We all had different and every dish was fantastic… Service was brilliant and the atmosphere is lovely here. It really is our favourite little pub in this area, highly recommend . 🍽💕

Many thanks to Sophie and her team for an enjoyable evening, excellent ale and good value for money locally produced food.

As usual fabulous food , and great service , a warm , cosy and friendly pub … the pies are the best ..the landlady Sophie is lovely and welcoming … This is a dog friendly pub too

A pub that feels like a traditional local pub should feel. Friendly staff, good service, excellent food and dog friendly - would thoroughly recommend.

Booked our table, thankfully, as such a excellent venue for delicious food, proper fires, good beer and although very busy, short waiting time for food was well worth it.

Absolutely delicious food for our group of orienteers tonight. I tried the local boar sausages, mash and peas. I’m very fussy with sausages but this was the best I’ve ever had. Very taster meat and gravy. Highly recommended…. Warm and cosey room, great polite and...

Visited to Rising Sun for lunch, 4 adults and our dog. The food was lovely, the service was fab and the landlady was ever so friendly. Had a really nice time, would definitely recommend.

As a party of 26 what Wonderful staff and excellent food and service I woul definitely recommend and will be returning

We had a fabulous lunch today, the food was fantastic and the pub had such a lovely Christmassy feel.I had the Pollock wrapped in bacon and hubby Rising Sun burger. Couldn't fault it, thank you to Soph and team ❤

Excellent pub, great food, great beer and really friendly helpful staff.. We had five visits to the pub over the week we visited the Forest of Dean and on each occasion all four of us had a wonderful meal. A proper pub with great meals,beer,...

What a beautiful little pub. The staff were so friendly. We had some dinner and I had the scampi and chips. Oh was it fantastic. Absolutely love every part of it. The only let down of the evening was when a staff member came out...

Fantastic service brilliant staff all meals freshly cooked very popular you do need to book a table highly recommend this pub for a meal Fantastic value for money

Nice relaxing friendly country pub. Extensive menu choice, nicely cooked fresh food served piping hot. Great value for money, would certainly visit again when next in the area

We had two excellent evenings in this fantastic village free house. Sophie and her team could not of been more friendly. Th food was excellent and really good value for money. Only wish I lived closer

First time I have visited this village freehouse and was not disappointed ... Excellent service and a really friendly atmosphere. Menu was varied and at very reasonable cost. Called in at lunchtime and had delicious sandwiches ~ Atlantic prawn, sausage and red onion, sausage and...

We visited this gem of a pub on Saturday Night and they managed to accommodate us for food as well which was amazing ! We then booked for Sunday lunch and Sunday evening as well. The food is brilliant all homemade with the curries been...

We visited the Rising Sun twice during our visit to the amazing Forest of Dean. Our family of 6 (four adults, a 5 year old and a 2 year old). The first time was okay, food mediocre but it was 350 yds walk away and...

Found by chance funnily enough on TripAdvisor. Stopped on my way into Lydney on my way to visiting friends. Turned up and as always a sign of good pub is was it was very busy! So busy the car park was rammed and all tables...

Great local food at even greater price! Never disappoints and service is always amazing. Well done yet again

Still got it, we go quite regularly when up as it’s my in laws local pub. Think no nonsense proper village freehouse serving great beer, wine, gin etc. Cask ales here are absolutely top notch. Drinks are well priced. Food is just good honest pub...

Such a warm and welcoming pub. After a day out exploring the area we needed a good meal. Phoned ahead (glad we did) and booked table for 5 and our dog also welcome. Large portions of good home cooked food All staff were so friendly...

Beautifully located traditional pub with none of those fruit machines or music blaring. Booked a table for four and placed in a lovely quiet spot just off the main bar area. Very impressed with the three course option which was great value. Have to say...

We had the most amazing meal the food was incredible and the waiting staff were amazing! However when leaving I was accused of stealing a glass that I was holding and drinking from outside whilst having a cigarette before leaving, then to have the member...

Oh my!!! What an amazing find. Let down by another local restaurant at the last minute so booked in here and was not disappointed. Amazing food! Huge portions. Great friendly atmosphere. Wouldn’t hesitate to come back and will def recommend to others. Don’t hesitate in...

Thank you Sophie & Team for the Lovely takeaway meal, as always 😀 Really tasty pies and gorgeous roulade

Excellent pub, great food, beer and Christmas spirit. Thanks to the servers as one of our party was late arriving and it was no trouble to the staff. Lovely food and options - good portion size to. Def will be returning for more!

A mixed experience besides the staff as usual were amazing. The nachos starter was totally yummers but while initially being excited to finally see a vegetarian Wellington on the Xmas menu and not the usual nut roast 🤢 I was hugely disappointed when it arrived...

Brilliant local pub, always accommodating to their customers, food is good British food, good size portions and always piping hot. As family we highly recommend the range of pies, with steak and Stilton being one of the best I have had in a longtime. Sophie...

We visited this pub after reading great reviews and being in a idyllic location what a huge mistake this was!! * food very basic mediocre pub grub at restaurant prices- bland taste less and over priced, no quality or thought gone into it * no...

Yet another delicious lunch at this lovely pub. Lots of choice, good value for money and very generous portions. Lovely ambiance in this country pub that we are lucky to live near enough to be able to just walk to.

Ordered 5 Roast dinners and deserts as a takeaway for a family celebration. Food was lovely - piping hot, lots of vegetables. Plenty on the plates! Had trouble fitting in the delicious deserts. In fact used some of the leftovers to make Bubble and Squeak...

We ate here whilst staying in Lydney. Located not far off the main road this is a lovely local pub with a good menu and some daily specials. Staff were friendly and helpful dealing with my gluten intolerance. Food portions were substantial and delicious. Definitely...

Having had a very enjoyable lunch here in the summer we thought it would be a nice place to celebrate our daughters 21st. On booking the table for 10 I specifically asked for room for a pram and an extra chair for my daughter who...

They were able to accommodate a booking for late afternoon at short notice comprising ten hungry adults and a toddler.  Good menu choices and service. Outdoor and indoor seating available.  Children's play area. Would recommend.

We had the most fantastic lunch yesterday.Nothing was too much trouble. The ploughmans was amazing, plenty for 2 and the Mediterranean tart melted in the mouth. Highly recommend this gorgeous country pub .Thank you Soph and team my sister can't wait to come back, and...

Lovely food. Fish and chips and the steak and ale pie were superb. The kids sausages were really nice, they polished them off quickly! Highly recommend.

Managed to get a table for food at short notice. When we arrived the staff were very friendly and helpful, and provided a larger table to accommodate a child in a pushchair. Service was very quick and efficient. Tasty home cooked food and large portions....

We like this pub, the food and service are good. On a recent visit we had to query the bill as it was £50 over. We had a refund.

Have stopped here several times before for a drink when walking I the forest, close to Mallards Pike and New Fancy. Can be busy but today had dinner here for first time, seemed to have plenty of customers for a Tuesday but was comfortable. Food...

Lovely hearty food served by friendly staff, visited a couple of times had the beef and Stilton pie which was so tasty and so big, had to have it the second time ! Also tried the beef and ale pie and the ham egg and...

Three of us had an amazing lunch here today. Beautifully tasty, freshly cooked food and desserts to kill for! The hunters chicken was too much for 88 year old mother in law though she tried hard to finish it as it was “so delicious”. They...

From start to finish this was one of the worst experiences we have had in a long time ! The best part of the meal was how friendly and apologetic the staff were and through no fault of their own. We came as a family...

Visited for a family lunch outing during our recent stay-cation. Landlady and staff all very polite and helpful and the food was excellent. The food was so good we arranged a second visit and even took some pies home so we can enjoy them again...

Meal for 3 Fruday night. First visit to the pub Fully booked inside so booked outside and was unfortunately placed next to the children's play area which was full of enthusiastic loud children. Their lucky parents were position well away from them. Ordered 3 meals,...

Fabulous Sunday Lunch takeaway today! Food was amazing! Looking forward to visiting very soon and eating in and can’t wait to sample the milkshakes at their new Milky Baa!

We went during COVID restrictions with outdoor dining only. It was a sunny May evening so we were lucky and arrived just after the tea-time rush. We had a variety of dishes including steak and ale pie, steak and Stilton, foggots and chicken burger. All...

Not sure if the poor reviews are for THIS Rising sun pub, many of them in the area, but none as good as this one. Ordered a take away for 6.30 pm for four. Arrived early and had a drink, all staff really attentive and...

The Sun in the sky did not shine on us this lunchtime but the warmth of the welcome more than made up for it. Nicely warmed towel/blankets for the ladies with chilled wine can you believe.. Lovely proper tastey beer, for the men. Fish and...

We emailed the pub and asked if we could park a shuttle car to do the first section of the Gloucestershire Way - they were most accommodating, (its about 1/2 mile off the footpath) the service was excellent - good choice of ales - the...

Love this little pub it’s amazing the kids enjoy a play in the play area whilst we all enjoy the home cooked locally sourced food. The rising sun team are always welcoming and create a warm friendly atmosphere. We have also enjoyed many takeaways during...

Visited today for pub garden lunch and drinks after a very long lockdown. The service and location was great. Lovely pub garden with a nice little play park and a little sun trap. Service was quick and very friendly. I had the Brie and my...

Due to lockdown... and covid restrictions.... we ordered a Sunday dinner.... absolutely stunning. Thank you to the staff... we were looked after though all the the experience.... and we took home a wonderful dinner... very professional... beautiful surroundings.... well recommended... Thank you staff.

The food was incredible and the service to match!! Such reasonably priced food for such high quality!! The beer garden is spacious and blankets provided for when you get a little chilly! Highly recommend!!

We visited yesterday for lunch outdoors. Everything was very well organised to be Covid safe (hand sanitiser and QR code venue check in on each table) There was so much choice I couldn’t decide what to have but I settled for the burger and chips...

This has always been a good pub but they have excelled during the Coronavirus pandemic with their brilliant takeaway service of excellent meals

It was fabulous to re-acquaint ourselves with this lovely country pub for our first alfresco lunch after lockdown, and we could not fault it at all. Soph, Zoe and the entire team made us extremely welcome (as always) and their arrangements ensured a safe feeling...

First outing to a pub since having my baby and since lockdown. I felt very safe, everything was very professional and adhered to the guidelines. Lunch was fantastic as always. Thanks Soph and team. Will be back soon :)

Wow! Thank you so much for an absolutely stunning Sunday lunch. Out of this world. We loved every mouthful. Such a beautiful village country pub with a lovely outdoor space which is children and dog friendly. Great hosts and the food is home made and just amazing. Love it.

Great Sunday lunch takeaway during lockdown. Very easy to book and collect. Lovely food. Would definitely recommend.

Absolutely great takeaway pies during pie week, great service as always. Food was still nice and hot when we got it home and tasted delicious. Will definitely be back soon.

Fab food, quick service and food was hot and PF great quality, can’t wait to go back when restrictions are lifted

We regularly visit the Rising Sun and have enjoyed many wonderful takeaways during lockdown. Every dish has been absolutely delicious, a favourite being the amazing fresh fish and chips! Thank you to the brilliant team at The Rising Sun!

Well yet again Sophie and her team didn't let me down. Had many takeaways in lockdown which are always great. On my walk today had a lovely prawn cocktail and chips. Which brighten my day. Phoned 15 minutes before, and it was no trouble. It makes me feel how very lucky we are to have a real gem of a pub in woolaston.

A big thank you to The Rising Sun for the amazing 3-course Mother's Day meal that our children had treated us to! It was delicious! And thanks for the lovely daffodils too! It made the day very special, thank you all.

Another fantastic take away from this lovely local pub. We've missed it this last year and can't wait for it to re open after lockdown. The mothers day roast was superb and the bunch of daffodils were a really lovely touch Thank you Sophie and team

To be able to have homecooked pub food in such challenging times has been incredible! Sophie has kept going throughout the whole of the pandemic and has supplied us with delicious fish and chips, curry's, lasagne and not forgetting the amazing Sunday lunch! Well done! We cant wait until the beer garden is open so we can enjoy it that little bit more! There is plenty to choose from on the takeaway menu so you certainly wont be disappointed!