ONE of Truro’s oldest pubs is set to change hands with the departure of its current licensees.

Tom Hannon, chef-patron of the 200-year-old Rising Sun on Mitchell Hill, has announced that he and his family will move on to new challenges after 11 years at the helm.

“It’s time the sun set on our tenure here,” he said. “I love what we do here and what we’ve achieved, but as I look towards the future, there are other aspects of life I’d like to focus on ... so this will be our last summer at the Rising Sun.”

Tom was 29 when he was given the keys to the “Riser”, which is owned by Punch Taverns. Having worked under Michelin-starred chef Chris Eden at the Driftwood hotel on the Roseland, Tom was determined to serve restaurant-quality food without compromising the Rising Sun’s relaxed vibe. The results won plaudits from Taste of the West, Muddy Stilettos and the Great British Pub awards.

Now 40, Tom told the Voice: “The Rising Sun is very much a slice of us. We put the lighting and the radiators in, we chose the colours and paved the patio. It was a tough decision to make, but I believe it’s the right one, at the right time.

“We’re out of our lease agreement with the brewery, and the industry is really difficult. Meanwhile, I have a daughter – six-year-old May - I’d like to spend more time with, rather than working at weekends, Easter and Christmas.

“And there are things I’d like to do while I’m still young enough – vineyards, breweries, pop-ups, nothing is set yet.”

Tom and Katie also run Fitzpatricks in Quay Street, and have confirmed they will continue to do so. In the meantime, expect their final months at the Rising Sun to be marked by special events involving champagne and “shouts”.