A Grade II listed building. That’s The Rising Sun for you. A true London landmark. This pub at 46 Tottenham Court Road boasts a fascinating history. It stands proudly in Fitzrovia a testament to architectural styles past and present.
The Rising Sun wasn’t always The Rising Sun. In the early 1980s it was briefly known as The Presley. Imagine Elvis Presley’s image adorning the walls. The owners at the time drastically altered its Victorian interior. They lowered the ceiling. They destroyed the original Art Nouveau Gothic design. Thankfully a later restoration partially recovered the original features.
The Rising Sun’s Art Nouveau Gothic style was the work of Victorian architects Treadwell and Martin. They designed this beautiful pub back in 1897. The building’s original name reflects its auspicious nature. The rising sun symbolizes good weather and good fortune. It’s also featured prominently on the Distillers’ Company coat of arms. This fact likely contributed to its popularity as a pub name.
Karl Marx himself is said to have frequented The Rising Sun in the 1850s. Back then Tottenham Court Road housed a remarkable 18 pubs. Quite the lively scene. The Rising Sun is more than just a pub it is a piece of London history. It survived alterations and controversies. The Rising Sun remains a charming and welcoming place. Step inside. Enjoy its unique character. Let the history wash over you. You are standing in a pub with a story to tell. A story as rich and complex as London itself. The Rising Sun awaits.