The cosy village pub on the outskirts of Bristol run by the same family for the past 41 years

The dark and heavy clouds were the colour of slate as we arrived at the Rising Sun with its hanging sign of a rooster watching the sun rise.

For a village pub with such a sunny disposition, it seemed a bit of a shame that we were visiting just as the heavens opened.

It certainly scuppered any plans to enjoy a pint in the large beer garden, which is accessed via the car park at the side or through the skittle alley.

Instead, we headed to a cosy corner of the bar, with its flowery carpet, red upholstered seats, high shelves of old water jugs and sepia photos of village life in Frampton Cotterell.

In the corner, there’s an upright piano in case any customers fancy tinkling the ivories. On one of the low ‘mind your head’ beams, there’s a polite sign reminding people not to swear.

In many ways, this is a village pub that’s as traditional as they come and it has been run by the Stone family for 41 years - an incredible achievement in such a tough industry that certainly doesn’t get any easier.

To the side of the bar, is a separate conservatory restaurant with a large blackboard menu displaying specials like Sicilian swordfish with capers, olives, cherry tomatoes, fresh chilli, lemon zest and herb potatoes.

Around the pub are further blackboards advertising the Tuesday to Friday lunch deal (two meals for £15.95) and ‘Pie and Pint Wednesdays, £15.25’ - this week’s pies being chicken, bacon and leek or mushroom and red wine.

The pub also runs a Burger Night and a Grill Night, with steaks supplied by local butchers Buxtons.

But it’s also the beer that makes The Rising Sun a pub worth a detour if you’re not lucky enough to be a local.

The family also run Hop Union Brewing Company, which recently opened its own brilliant tap room next to the brewery on a trading estate in Brislington.

That means Hop Union’s award-winning beers dominate the handpumps at The Rising Sun and prices are kind on the wallet, too.

My crystal clear, perfect condition pint of Bonville Pale was just £3.50, the same price as the Summer Pale and the Maiden Voyage. Also on tap is the Moose River at £3.80.

There’s also Vintage Cider on draught, as well as Thatchers Gold, Blackthorn Dry, Amstel and Stella.

Above the bar, a row of framed ‘we’re in it!’ posters remind customers that the pub has appeared in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide for several years. They’re clearly proud of such an accolade.

But then with beers of this quality and price, is it any wonder The Rising Sun is still such a dazzling ray of light on Bristol’s pub scene?

The Rising Sun, Ryecroft Road, Frampton Cotterell, Bristol, BS36 2HN.