Checking-in with Paul Dobson

You could say Paul Dobney has diversity in his blood ; he started organic farming in 2009 after a career as a professional golfer. Now he runs the organic farm that’s part of Oxney Estate and also works with his partner Kristin at the Oxney vineyard. Together they have built one of England’s largest organic estates around the belief that farming should work with nature, not against it. Their mixed farm (850 acres) and vineyard (14 hectares) avoid herbicides and pesticides, instead relying on natural methods, cover crops and biodiversity to enrich the soil and support wildlife. Biomass heating, solar power and low-intervention winemaking all form part of an approach that is as thoughtful as it is sustainable. The end result is a an impressive array of award-winning still and sparkling English wines, which The George is delighted to stock … and drink! Oxney offer visitors tours and tastings throughout the year, but keep an eye out this month for our exclusive competition with them to celebrate English Wine Week. In the meantime, meet Paul here.

https://oxneyestate.com/contact/

What brings you to The George?

The George is the hub of Rye and living locally it is brilliant to have a destination for a glass of wine or delicious dinner with family and friends.

What is your earliest hotel memory?

My earliest memory of the George was celebrating my son’s birthday with the family. The kitchen staff were so lovely bringing our son a special treat. A wonderful memory for a five-year-old!

What is the best/most important part of staying away in a hotel for you?

The bed and the linen! If that is good quality I can sleep anywhere!

What are you currently reading/binge-watching/listening to?

Writing this the day after the Eurovision Song Contest I will have to admit that we watched every night it was on. Such a shame about our nearly local lad Sam who is from Margate we hear (Look Mum No Computer)!

Besides The George, which hotel would you most like to check out?

I would love to check out Hotel Portmerion in Wales. It is where they filmed The Prisoner TV series in the 60s and my parents were big fans.

Do you have a hotel lobby/lift story to share?

I was having breakfast with my son at The Ritz many years ago. A very elderly man sitting in the corner and clearly a well-known guest to the staff went to the hotel shop, bought a Ritz teddy bear and came back with it to give to my very small son.

What is your favourite feature in The George?

I love the design! Every time we are there eating and drinking we are not just enjoying the brilliant hospitality, but we also get inspired by the fun and creative interiors.

Hypothetically, who would you most like to discover is a fellow guest?

I would love to come across David Moyes, Everton’s manager. I am, obviously, an ardent Everton fan. I would love to sit down, have a glass of Oxney and talk football.

What helps you get to sleep at night? (Keep it clean!)

Not thinking about work… We have an organic farm and vineyard and are incredibly busy so I have trained myself on zoning out and pushing out any thought about the hundreds of jobs I should get on top of…

My secret Rye discovery is…

I would have to say the farm where we planted our 14 He vineyard, Oxney! Visiting the farm with our agent in 2009 we were blown away with the gorgeous area, the ancient fields, meadows, hedges etc. This area is one of the nicest places to visit, and live, in the UK. Come and see us!