In a suburb where pubs are stitched into the very fabric of life, the Rising Sun Hotel – or “the Riser,” as everyone calls it – has always stood proudly as one of Richmond’s great locals.
“The identity has been driven by locals and visitors to Richmond long before we were involved. Regarded as a traditional pub, with sport, beer and classic pub dishes being a feature,” says owner Guy Wells.
Richmond has long been a suburb defined by its pubs, from the Corner Hotel to the small family-run locals tucked into quiet streets. The Riser sits a little outside the main entertainment precinct of Swan and Church Streets, which, according to Guy, has helped preserve its approachable, authentic character. “The Riser has always been an approachable pub with a great front bar, and regular patrons. Obviously footy is a big part of what makes Richmond what it is, and the Riser is no different with decorations and sports on screens reflecting that.”
RESPECTING HISTORY, OPENING UP THE SPACE
When Guy and his partners took over from the Reardon family, who had run the pub for nearly a quarter of a century, they understood the weight of tradition they were inheriting. “We were mindful to be cognisant of its history and identity, while trying to increase its appeal to the changing face of Richmond and what we saw as an underserviced pocket of Richmond and Burnley,” he says.
With the neighbourhood’s demographics shifting, more young families, professionals, and long-time locals living side by side, the new operators saw an opportunity to modernise the Riser without losing its soul.
“Trying to respect the history and heritage of the pub, we have maintained a focus on sports with TVs and a variety of vintage and new sporting paraphernalia around the walls,” he says.
The recent renovation stayed true to the venue’s character, retaining the beloved horseshoe-shaped bar while improving flow and function. “We removed the TAB facilities and opened up the front bar area into the former TAB space to allow for increased trading space,” Guy explains. “Increasing light and opening up the space included raising the front bar ceiling and reactivating covered windows to let more light into the building.” The result is a classic local with the polish and energy of a modern neighbourhood pub.
OLD-SCHOOL SOUL MEETS MODERN SENSIBILITY
For many operators, the challenge lies in bridging the gap between the traditional expectations of a pub – cold beer, footy on the screen, good banter – and the new demands of today’s audiences, who want quality food and family-friendly spaces.
But for Guy, it’s not a balancing act, it’s a natural evolution. “Old-school expectations don’t need to be contrasted with premium food and an elevated offering,” he says. “There’s nothing to say our locals and regular customers can’t enjoy quality food and beverage and be die-hard footy fans or love to sit at the bar and have a chat.”
He describes a venue that can host a young family midweek for a quick dinner, and the same parents back on the weekend with
friends to watch the game. “Having spaces that can cater to both experiences is integral. There is nothing more Melbourne than watching the footy at a pub, be that with mates or family – so we have tried to offer that with food and drinks that everyone can enjoy.”
A NEW GENERATION OF LOCALS
The Riser’s success has also come from understanding how younger generations are engaging with pubs. “Younger generations are definitely keen to frequent pubs,”
Guy says. “Having spaces that cater to all demographics allows the younger generations to experience the venue both with family and with friends.”
For him, inclusivity is the key. “While previous generations and spaces were more focused on a single gender and demographic, we have aimed to make the space more appealing to a broader audience including increased female patrons and a younger demographic,” he says.
Staffing also plays a key role. “Having key staff understand the demographic and creating an environment that younger generations want to frequent (and work at) is integral to staying relevant to that sector of the market.”
It’s working. “It has been amazing hearing friends, suppliers and industry participants commenting that their kids (young adults) love the Riser – even having dinner with the folks and then staying on as their mates arrive to enjoy the evening.” That intergenerational appeal is something Guy believes will underpin the future of pubs: “Making venues welcoming and safe to younger generations and people of all genders and persuasions will further drive this patronage.”
MODERN CHALLENGES
Like most in the industry, Wells is realistic about the pressures facing pubs in inner Melbourne. “Pubs have been challenging operations for generations speaking to previous publicans and industry operators more and more challenges always appear,” he says. “The resilience and ingenuity of operators (and the sector) is what allows the industry to evolve.”
Staffing remains a constant challenge, as does the rising cost of doing business. “Cost pressures are ever present as customers and socio-economic challenges present, with relative ceilings on in-venue pricing,” he says. “As a result, operators need to get more creative in providing both genuine experiences and quality service, but also looking at input costs.”
He worries that increasing compliance and administrative demands risk pulling publicans away from what they do best; connecting with customers. “The total scale of responsibilities and requirements to run a pub is becoming more all-encompassing, and probably something that is harder to do individually, which is taking publicans and owners away from the customer.”
LOOKING AHEAD
So what does the next decade look like for a place like the Rising Sun? For Guy, it’s about evolution, not revolution. “Inner-city pubs compete more and more with smaller bars and restaurants, so having quality products, educated and capable staff and facilities that cater to your target clientele is going to be as important as ever,” he says.
He points to the need for innovation in everything from menu design to technology and energy efficiency. “With the cost base always increasing, we as operators need to work out how to grow the pie and increase trade as we face ongoing increases to the cost of business – rents, utilities, streaming services, insurance and taxes,” he says. “Innovation will play a key role, be that through efficiencies in operations, smart product selection and offering, or technological change.”
Still, he remains confident that the fundamentals of the pub will endure; people, place and community.
At the Rising Sun, that philosophy feels alive and well. It is a pub that respects its past but looks to the future, where Richmond’s stories still flow, one pot at a time.