Raymond Blanc: Celebrity chef's firm to rename historical pub

The pub has been closed since May 2022

A historical pub that has been closed for a year-and-a-half is being revamped and renamed by a firm co-founded by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc.

The Sun Inn in Reading shut in May 2022 before being bought by Heartwood Collection, owner of both the Brasserie Blanc and Heartwood Inns chains.

Heartwood wants to alter the exterior of the 17th Century inn, including changing its name to The Rising Sun.

An extension for the kitchen and garden upgrades have already been approved.

Raymond Blanc is described as the guiding light of Heartwood, the new owners of the Sun Inn

The Sun Inn has been closed since a "final shindig" held by the previous owners who described the pub as "our grubby palace", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

A planning application to Reading Borough Council seeks to repaint the Grade II listed pub in Castle Street and install a swinging sign.

Mr Blanc, who also owns Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire, is described by Heartwood Collection as "very much the guiding light of the business and what is on the menu each season".

Heartwood Inns already operates 22 pubs, mostly in the south of England, including in Thame, Poole, Christchurch, Emsworth and Newbury.

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