The Rising Sun in Pelcomb has emerged as one of Pembrokeshire's most beloved dining destinations, marking a remarkable transformation from traditional pub to celebrated restaurant under the stewardship of Andrea and Gethin Bateman.

Over the past year, this family-run establishment has carved out a reputation for exceptional food, particularly their Sunday lunches, which have become the talk of the county. The driving force behind this culinary evolution has been Chef Matthew, whose passion for quality and innovation has elevated The Rising Sun to new heights.

"We always knew we wanted to be more than just a pub," says Andrea Bateman, who now confidently supports Matthew in the kitchen. "What's been amazing is seeing how our customers have embraced the changes. The feedback has been incredible, and it's given us the confidence to keep pushing forward."

The pub has become a cornerstone of the local community, extending its reach beyond just dining. Their partnership with the Pembrokeshire Vikings, a mixed-ability rugby team that Gethin is proud to be part of and sponsor, showcases their commitment to community engagement.

"Supporting the Vikings was a no-brainer for us," Gethin explains. "It's about being part of something bigger than ourselves and giving back to the community that's supported us so well."

Innovation has been key to their success, with events like their Thanksgiving dinner bringing something unique to the area. "We wanted to offer something different," says Chef Matthew. "The response to our Thanksgiving feast was overwhelming – it showed us that people are hungry for new experiences and cultures, even while appreciating traditional favourites."

The Christmas period proved particularly successful, with fully booked services demonstrating the growing reputation of their dining experience. Reviews consistently praise not just the quality of the food but the generous portions and attention to detail, from perfectly cooked meats to their renowned accompaniments such as their cauliflower cheese.

Looking ahead to 2025, the team shows no signs of slowing down. Plans are already in motion to further develop their food offering, while also showcasing the associated Pelcomb Bridge Holiday Park. "We're excited about welcoming more visitors to both the restaurant and the holiday park," Andrea shares.

One recent review praised their Sunday lunch as "rivalling the comforts of your own kitchen," while another celebrated their ability to handle large group bookings with "beautifully presented" meals that taste "amazing."

For the Batemans and their team, this is just the beginning. "We're proud of how far we've come," says Gethin, "but we're even more excited about where we're going."

Photo Gallery (click to view in full)