As News Shopper celebrates its 50th birthday with its own beer, it felt like a good time to go back to the start for PubSpy too.

And so I returned to my very first victim, The Rising Sun in Eltham High Street.

My own history on these pages is not nearly as old as the paper - I first appeared just 17 years ago, in 1998 – but I think we can all agree that it’s not Shopper without PubSpy.

Back then, I described The Rising Sun as ‘one of my very favourite boozers’ with the friendliest bar staff in existence and being ‘THE place to go for a drawn-out relaxed session with friends’.

News Shopper:

My first review

The Rising Sun is still pretty impressive, though I don’t know if I would be as unequivocal today.

Perhaps that’s because, in my humble opinion, the state of pubs (that have survived) is better than it was in the 90s. There’s more variety and some wildly different types of hostelry that didn’t really exist back then.

What’s not changed dramatically is the bar staff. The very lovely, slightly older barmaid with short purple hair was the picture of kindness and seemingly unflappable when everyone in the pub decided to walk to the bar simultaneously.

One thing I loved back in ’98 was the lack of TV, jukebox, gastropub food or a trendy refurb.

Well, now there is a jukebox and a trendy refurb, though I didn’t spot a telly.

Perhaps I’ve softened because I liked the refreshed look (and let’s face it, you can’t not redecorate in 20 years and expect people to keep coming back).

The ‘traditional wood and brass fittings’ remain, there’s a grand central bar with old-school black and white tiles around it and a vintage fireplace.

But the walls have a welcome splash of colour and some new furniture. Gone are the comfy old sofas, which is perhaps a pity.

In general, the modern look is sensitive and the pub clearly appeals to after work casuals and the traditional locals and their dogs (for whom the bowl of water wasn’t fresh enough: ‘He ain’t drinkin’ it,” she hollered.)

News Shopper:

Steps like the ‘counting calories’ board and section on the menu arguably overstep the mark.

And the only thing dirty in here is the Dirty Burger (£8.95), which features the regular accompaniments plus a dollop of chilli con carne, jalapenos, sautéed onion and mustard.

Doubt that was on the menu in the pre-obesity epidemic days of the nineties.

You can get a decent pint too, with Golden Hen and Goose Island IPA the picks.

The Rising Sun, High Street, Eltham

How it rated:

Decor *** Generally pleasing

Atmosphere **** A good bunch

Staff *** Unflappable

Drink *** Some choice ales

Price *** Good but not quite 1998