Author: The George In Rye

Greetings Georgians,

We hope you are weathering the current storms. Here in Rye we’re eagerly anticipating spring and some sunshine.

As those of you local to us will have seen, internal works to The George are progressing well. We’ve been very much encouraged by the help we’ve had from the expert restoration team and by their unerring support of the project.

As we peel back the layers (spanning over four centuries), we are learning so much more about The George’s history. Some wonderful period details have been uncovered which we can’t wait to reveal. We’re enormously proud of the heritage of this historic building and hope to make our restoration of it a positive ‘next step’ in its journey. The renovation of the ballroom is particularly exciting and we look forward to hosting many more weddings and events in the years to come!

Whilst there isn’t yet a firm date for reopening, work will continue throughout 2020. We’ll be in touch with further updates and ‘sneak peeks’ over the course of the year. We’re very grateful to the local community and our loyal guests for their support, and we appreciate your patience whilst we work hard to restore The George to its former splendour.

With best wishes,
Alex & Katie Clarke

Rye Bay Scallop festival takes place annually in February (Saturday 22nd  February – Sunday 1st March 2020).  Our locally-caught scallops are said to be some of the best in the country and to celebrate this Rye’s restaurants produce special scallop inspired menus and a program of events is on offer including scallop-cutting and scallop-cooking demonstrations, as well as scallop-tasting evenings with musical entertainment and local award-winning wine tastings.

For details of what’s going on and where please see the Rye Scallop Festival website.

 

Rye Community Fire Station are opening their doors on Sunday 15th September for an Open Day. Come down and meet your local crews. Bring the kids! 12:00 till 2:00pm..

The picturesque town of Winchelsea is just a five minute drive from Rye. Once a major hub for the medieval wine trade and a town of national importance, Winchelsea is a rare example of a settlement laid out on a grid pattern, offering vistas along wide, straight streets to this day. Winchelsea’s medieval stone-vaulted cellars are famous, with regular guided tours throughout the summer months.

The tours are run by volunteers and all proceeds are re-invested in the town, either in the repair and maintenance of the historic buildings or in the contents and displays in the Court Hall Museum.

Tours cost £6 per person – free for children. They take place each Saturday between mid-April and late October, plus some Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays. For booking and further information see the website.

Medieval Rye has always been a flourishing Arts Hub.

The Rye Art Gallery was founded in 1957 by Mary and Howard Stormont.  The collections include works of art chosen for their regional and, in some cases, their national importance and include a permanent exhibition as well as new works by local artists.

Just along the street ‘Ethel Loves Me’ presents original pieces from local artists, artisans and craftspeople.  They also host workshops such as glass and jewellery-making.

The Rye Arts Trail features six of Rye’s Art galleries.  You can pick up a printed passport at any of the venues listed on their site, collect a stamp at every location visited and a free gift when the passport is complete!

We are so pleased to have had the opportunity to provide one of the raffle prizes for ‘The Mighty Boy Comedy night’ which took place last night at the Underbelly Festival Venue on London’s Southbank.

The event was in aid of the Silas Pullen fund – Silas was only eleven years old when he died from a malignant brain tumour but he inspired an army of people with his courage and bravery.  After his death, his parents set up The Silas Pullen Fund under the umbrella of The Brain Tumour Charity to raise money for paediatric brain tumour research.

The Mighty Boy Comedy Night featured an incredible line-up of top comedians, including Rory Bremner, Armstrong & Miller, Hal Cruttenden and Ronni Ancona.

If you’d like to donate to the fund, please click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Greetings Georgians

2019 is the year of the ‘staycation’ and if you’re searching for some inspiration, look no further. There are sandy beaches, 14th century castles, nature reserves, award-winning gardens and vineyards all on our doorstep.
There are no less than 6 festivals in the town over the course of the year, and coming up next is the stupendous Peasmarsh Chamber Music Festival (27th-30th June). The event brings world-class musicians to this corner of East Sussex, with 9 concerts of international chamber music taking place either in the Norman church at Peasmarsh, or in the beautiful setting of St Mary’s in Rye. We’re offering a pre-concert supper from 5:30pm for those attending the orchestral concert at St Mary’s on Friday 28th June. Please call us to book.

Did we mention the vineyards? We’re perfectly located as a base for an English wine trail, with some of the UK’s most highly-regarded producers nearby. Charles Palmer Vineyards, which is just a 10 minute drive away at Winchelsea, has just won Platinum at the 2019 Decanter World Wine Awards for their 2014 Blanc de Blancs. What better way to while away a summer’s afternoon than sampling some of the country’s finest in rolling countryside?

If you don’t have a designated driver, you might be tempted by our exclusive English Wine Tours & Tastings package, which includes 2 nights’ accommodation, dinner on one night (up to the value of £50), a bespoke tour of 3 vineyards, a picnic featuring seasonal, locally-sourced produce AND all transport! See our website for booking and further details.

In celebration of English wines’ success, the George Tap is now serving an all-British Kir Royal, featuring the very best English fizz and British Cassis – available throughout the summer. All we need now is the sunshine!

The George in Rye

We are thrilled to be welcoming back REN Skincare to The Shop Next Door on Saturday 1st June.  Their skin care expert will be in store between 10:30 a.m. and 5:00pm giving skin consultations and mini facials.  Free gift with any purchase over £50.

Please call Karen on 01797 228626 or email the shop to book an appointment.

Guests at The George in Rye have helped donate more than £1,000 to a local breast cancer support group.

The George in Rye’s “Guest check-out” scheme was introduced six years ago, whereby a £1 discretionary donation is added to every guest’s bill and the hotel then matches every £1 donated by guests. The total is then donated to a chosen local charity or good cause.

1066 Pink Ladies was founded 40 years ago to support sufferers in Hastings and Rother. The aim of the group is to provide a safe place for patients to meet and discuss their needs in confidence and to offer support and help in a relaxed, informal venue away from the environment of the hospital.

1066 Pink Ladies meet on a monthly basis and welcome women of any age and at any point in their journey. They arrange talks and Q&As with oncologists, surgeons, dietitians and fitness instructors, as well as complementary therapies for women going through chemotherapy, hair loss and radiation and other emotional and physical effects of diagnosis and treatment. Support is also provided via a closed Facebook group and the website.

Pam Shadbolt, a former breast care nurse and co-founder of the group said: “I’m really happy to think that 40 years on the group has grown and adapted to continue to meet the needs of those who need it. Long may it continue!”

Huge congratulations to our two competition winners, Rupert Scott and Mark Dingwall, who both completed the London marathon on Sunday.

Rupert and Mark both won a place to run in aid of Children with Cancer UK,  a national charity dedicated to raising money for research and providing care for children with cancer and their families.  The George and our guests are providing £1,000 of sponsorship to each runner.

Rupert was running in memory of family friend Tom Spurling who passed away recently, aged just 7 years old.

If you’d like to make a donation to either of their just giving pages, please do so here:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RupertScott2
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MarkDingwall1

 

 

 

We’re thrilled to be included in Ianthe Butt’s roundup of Lovely lesser-known escapes from London.

The post includes Deal in Kent, Crudwell in The Cotswolds, Goring-on-Thames, York, Hastings and Rye.

“The smartest spot in town is The George in Rye. A heritage building dating from 1575…While all 34 rooms are stylish, the decor varies wildly, ranging from elegant through to eclectic; in one room there are raindrop-like glass chandeliers, in another William Morris textiles, as well as a pair (the Hayloft rooms) which channel a pared-back Scandi cabin. At the other end of the spectrum is a ritzy split-level room with an extravagant circular bed covered in a snow-white fluffy Helen Moore throw, alongside spiked glass pendant lamps and a vast nickel William Holland bathtub…. There’s an olive-filled courtyard (glorious in summer), and bustling bar, The George Tap. The George Grill restaurant is a forest-hued hangout with oceanic design touches – a giant mosaic fish leaps across one wall – reclaimed wooden flooring, and delicious British cuisine (expect Rye Bay Scallops and moreish rhubarb crumble with crème anglaise)”

To read the full article, click here.

Just along the High Street from The George, Ethel Loves Me is part art gallery, part unique lifestyle and gift shop, showcasing and selling original pieces from local makers, artists, artisans, craftspeople and creatives.

Ethel is putting on two workshops in April.  ‘Marbling for Kids’ takes place on Tuesday, April 16th and is suitable for children aged 4 and upwards. Children will learn the magical art of marbling.  They will work independently on this simple technique for creating marbled patterns on paper guided by experienced art teacher (DBS checked), Cadell Cruse. Marbling is fast, fun and has spectacular results that children will be proud to take home with them.  The cost is £10 per child for a 45 minute session.

The following Wednesday (24th April) adults can have some fun with Lino Printing.  Design, carve and print your own Lino template. Learn how to use the Lino printing process that can be used to create images on paper and fabric. Once you have created your template you will be able to use it again for projects at home. £28 per person for a 3 hour workshop which starts at 10:30am.

Please see Ethel’s website for further details and booking tickets.

“a thoughtful restoration of a 450-year-old coaching inn set in one of England’s prettiest medieval towns. We love it for its excellent seafood, buzzing restaurant and beautifully designed bedrooms. It also gets bonus points for its proximity to Camber Sands, East Sussex’s only sand dune system…”

We’re delighted The George in Rye makes i-escape’s “10 best summer pubs with rooms”. Words by Amie Marshall. Click here to read the online article.

Bookings for the ever-popular Peasmarsh Chamber Music Festival have opened as of today, Monday 1 April.   Festival dates for  2019 are Thursday 27th – Sunday 30th June.

The festival brings world-class musicians to this corner of rural East Sussex, allowing audiences to enjoy international chamber music on their doorstep.  Nine concerts take place over four days, either in the Norman church of St Peter & St Paul at Peasmarsh, or in the beautiful setting of St Mary’s Church in Rye.

For those attending the orchestral concert in Rye, The George Grill is offering a pre-concert supper at either 5:30pm or 6:00pm.

Please see the festival website for the programme and for bookings.

Local artist Richard Adams’ one-man exhibition takes place at the Rye Art Gallery from Saturday 6th April.

Adams work depicts the English countryside and seaside and is inspired by his long-held loves for English vernacular architecture, rural history and native flora and fauna. “Adams’ flights of fancy create a bucolic world peopled with characters in simple, domestic and rural pursuits. Everyday life takes on a fiction of endless sunshine and joyful leisure where fairies inhabit mystical sites and the fantastic sits comfortably in the natural world”.

Rye on the Wall runs until 5th May.

“Rye is such a source of inspiration to me that ideas for pictures come thick and fast.  I nip out for a sandwich and see something that will go in a picture! I’ve had loads of ideas over the past years some of which I’ve held back for fear of losing people’s interest if I race ahead too much.
I feel now is the time to throw caution to the wind and do a few of the pictures I’ve always wanted to do. I’m sure some people will feel its the ‘same old same old’ but I’m looking forward to turning up my personal ‘Radical Dial’ to 3 and, once again, put Rye (kicking and screaming) on the Wall.”

Hastings Philharmonic brings together the Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra (the first fully professional orchestra in Hastings since the 1940s), the Hastings Philharmonic Choir and the Hastings Philharmonic Chamber Choir.

On Friday 15th March at 7:30 Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing in St Mary in the Castle with Stephanie Gurga on Piano and Scott Sandmeier as Conductor.

Holberg Suite Grieg
Piano Concerto no.1 Glass
Imptomptu for Strings Sibelius
String Serenade Tchaikovsky

Tickets are available from Hastings Tourist Information Centre and The Bookkeeper, St Leonards
£22.50/£17.50 Under 18/Students Free entry

For more information please visit website.

We have teamed up with Chapel Down Winery in nearby Tenterden to offer a package combining an experience at England’s best known and highly regarded vineyard with dinner and two night’s accomodation at The George in Rye.

The midweek package includes a two-night stay for two people (including The George’s famous breakfast), £50 allocation towards dinner on the first night at the George Grill, a private tour at Chapel Down, including an extensive tasting and a ‘sabrage’ demonstration plus a three-course lunch at the Swan Restaurant before returning to The George for a second night’s stay.

For prices and further details please click here.

On Saturday 23rd March, we welcome back REN Skincare to The Shop Next Door.  Their skin care expert will be in store between 10:30 a.m. and 5:00pm giving skin consultations and mini facials.  Free gift with any purchase over £50.

Please call Karen on 01797 228626 or email the shop to book an appointment.

Our friends at Rye International Jazz and Blues festival present three exceptional concerts taking place in the beautiful setting of St Mary’s Church over the spring bank holiday.

On Friday 3rd May the ‘Godfather’ of bossa nova and Brazilian music Sergio Mendes make a very special appearance as part of a limited number dates that he will be performing in the UK this year. Sergio Mendes came to stardom with his iconic band Brazil ’66 and has a sound that combines Brazilian rhythms with jazz, pop, soul and funk. His music is instantly recognisable, including his 1966 hit Mas Que Nada, which topped the charts again forty years later in collaboration with the Black Eyed Peas.

On Saturday 4th May the highly acclaimed American jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux will be performing songs from her latest album, Anthem and her impressive back catalogue. Eight albums and 22 years since her debut ‘Dreamland’, Madeleine continues to challenge the confines of jazz, venturing into the fertile fields of contemporary music.

On Sunday 5th May the legendary Multiple Grammy-winning American songwriter Jimmy Webb performs a truly unique concert ‘An Evening with Jimmy Webb’ with special guest’s award – winning jazz singers and songwriters Ian Shaw and local legend Liane Carroll. Jimmy Webb is the genius behind so many hit records such as Wichita Lineman, By The Time I get to Phoenix and Rhinestone Cowboy all of which were recorded by the legendary American Country singer Glen Campbell. Webb will deliver a humorous tour into the days and nights of a song-writing prodigy, a lesson in pop culture, an insider perspective on the Nixon Sixties, the Rat Pack heyday, the London Mods, Laurel Canyon and more, told by a charming yarn spinner who hasn’t lost sight of his roots despite decades of international fame.

For more information see www.ryejazz.com

Sally Robinson’s round-up of Rye in the March 2019 issue of National Geographic Traveller Food magazine includes a lovely mention of The George:

“The best place of stay is The George in Rye….it’s a stylish contemporary boutique hotel and a great place to eat and drink – whether it’s a glass of local fizz in the cosy beamed bar or dinner in the George Grill, where local fish and meat are cooked in a charcoal-fired Josper oven.”

To read the full article click here.

On Sunday 31st March, The George in Rye is opening up our elegant Georgian ballroom to host afternoon tea in celebration of all mothers and grandmothers.

Relax and enjoy a blissful afternoon together in stunning surroundings, with an assortment of delicate sandwiches, mouth-watering cakes and warm scones with rich preserve and lashings of clotted cream – and of course your choice of loose-leaf tea from our tea menu.

For further information and bookings, please click here.

The George was thrilled to welcome St Ronan’s school Year 4 back to the George for their annual “French lunch” on 23rd January.

The children tried snails, frogs’ legs and the ‘Galette des Rois’.  Restaurant Manager and French native Ludovic Cosson was on hand to serve the children and speak to them in French.

For more click here.

The George gets a little mention in this lovely article on “Brilliant things to do with the family around Battle Abbey”

“…Nearby English Heritage sites to Battle Abbey include Camber Castle, a 16th-century artillery fort built near Rye by King Henry VIII.

It’s a 30-minute, 15-mile easterly drive down the A259, but you’ll need to join a tour, so be sure to check the website for the monthly guided walks for children and adults around Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, a walk which includes the castle and local farm.In nearby Rye itself, there are some fabulous pubs – the 16th-century George or the weatherboarded, Victorian-era Globe Inn are both good choices.”

Click here to read the article.

Rye was transformed into a Scottish town this week when Left Bank Productions’ The Crown was in town filming for its third series.

The Crown is a biographical story about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.  The third series focuses on events in the 1970s.

Authentic 1970s vehicles lined the high streets and shop fronts were replaced for the shoot, which took place on 23rd January.  Onlookers were delighted to spot well-known faces such as Helen Bonham-Carter (Princess Margaret) and Ben Daniels (Lord Snowdon).    Shooting also took place at nearby Winchelsea.

To read the Rye & Battle Observer article click here.

 

On Sunday 3rd March, we are thrilled to be hosting local celebrity, blues singer Roger Hubbard in our Tap Bar, as part of Rye Bay Scallop Week.  Roger is one of the major exponents of early blues and slide guitar.  In December 1970 Roger opened for Muddy Waters in Brighton.

Muddy Waters was quoted in SOUNDS Magazine as saying, “Roger Hubbard is as good as any blues guitarist in the U.K. or the United States”.

Sunday 3rd March from 4:00-6:00pm.  Entry is free.

To see all of our events around Rye Bay Scallop Week please click here.

We have had a lovely write-up on The Arbuturian, “a pocketful of Rye”.

….And that is at the core of The George in Rye; luxury without a trace of formality is the abiding refrain.

Click this link to read the full article.

Richard Whitehead ‘s article “a weekend in” for The Times Travel Section, Saturday 5th January 2019

“We stayed in the heart of the town, at The George in Rye, a stylish and buzzy hotel with rooms to suit most tastes in interior design.  On our first night we ate in the hotel’s restaurant, The Grill, which offers a European menu with a strong emphasis on local suppliers. The steak and the lamb rump were both succulent and immaculately cooked.”

To read the full article click here.

 

Hastings Fat Tuesday Music Festival was voted Event of the Year 2018 at the Celebration of Sussex Life Awards.  It is the UK’s largest Mardi Gras celebration and the fastest growing festival in the South East.

Hastings Fat Tuesday marks its 10th anniversary in 2019, with five days packed with live music and carnival celebrations 1-5 March. Borrowing heavily from the New Orleans take on Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday” is English for Mardi Gras).

See the website for details of events.

The George is featured in 11 weekend breaks within two hours of London.

“Expect bedrooms with retro designs and contemporary comforts, deep leather armchairs positioned beside crackling log fires, and a fabulous restaurant that excels in seafood.”

Click here to read the full article.

 

Our friends at the Rye Retreat are holding their Winter Soirée on Monday 3rd December at the Powdermills Hotel, Battle.

Join them to support local charities St Michael’s Hospice (Hastings and Rother)and The Sara Lee Trust for a night filled with showcasing hair and make up trends.

Tickets are available exclusively from The Rye Retreat for £10 each which gets you entry, glass of fizz and a goodie bag with £30 worth of Aveda product!  Call them on 01797 222211.

The grand raffle prize will be a night in a Junior Suite at The George in Rye and a day full of spa treatments at the Rye Retreat – worth over £1,000!  Tickets are £5 each – available on the night only.

Greetings Georgians,

We are delighted to let you know that this year we are teaming up with the charity Children with Cancer UK to offer one lucky winner the opportunity to run in the 2019 London Marathon AND we will provide £1,000 of sponsorship!

All sponsorship raised will go directly to Children with Cancer UK.

The online ballot for the 2019 Marathon has closed, but if you didn’t get the place you were hoping for, you may still have the opportunity to run! Please email us at [email protected] giving your name, your phone number, when you last visited us, a reason why we should choose you and how you plan to fundraise*. Entries need to be in by midnight on Wednesday 28th November. The winner will be announced via Facebook on Friday 30th November. All entrants will be contacted directly.

*There is an £80 administration fee to be paid by the winning entrant. The George in Rye will provide £1,000 of sponsorship and the winner will be required to fundraise themselves – hopefully to match or exceed that amount. The winner will need to complete the application form and the charity will need to be satisfied that the winning entrant will raise sufficient funds for Children with Cancer UK.

Good luck!

The George in Rye

The George in Rye was featured in The Sun’s ‘Check in, Check it out’ section on Saturday, 17th November.

“Eat here.  Delicious seafood and steaks cooked on a charcoal grill.  The service was excellent…”

Our friends at the Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival have announced their Christmas concert series of eclectic and intimate world class artists, set in the beautiful St Mary’s Church in Rye on 14th, 15th and 16th December.

Friday night sees the much-loved and acclaimed singer, recording artist, radio broadcaster and TV presenter Aled Jones performing repertoire from his impressive back catalogue, songs from his last solo album release ‘One Voice’ and a selection of seasonal classics. He will be joined by the sixteen piece Fidelity International choir and special guest, mezzo soprano singer Danielle Thomas.

BRIT and Ivor Novello Award winning singer and song writer KT Tunstall takes to the stage on Saturday night in a truly unique and intimate concert prior to her 2019 spring UK tour. This is an exceptional opportunity to hear and experience one of the most respected British singer songwriters who has sold over seven million albums in her career to date. Festival favourite Joe Corbin will be supporting KT Tunstall at this special concert.

On Sunday the legendary Latin singer and guitarist José Feliciano closes this December series of concerts in Rye with a programme that will include his greatest hits, repertoire from his latest album releases and a selection of festive Christmas songs. Feliciano has been hailed by critics throughout the world as “The greatest living guitarist” and he performs in Rye with his six piece band prior to performing for the Pope at the Vatican in Rome.

For more information and to book tickets online go to www.ryejazz.com

Now in it’s fourth year, Saturday 8th December sees Rye celebrating Christmas. The town will be buzzing with Christmas markets, carol singing, Father Christmas and his reindeers, Mother Christmas and the elves, live music, a Christmas procession and much more.

This year the theme is a ‘Winter Carnival Spectacular’.  Expect street performers, interactive entertainmentand all the fun of the fair, with a festive spin!  For further information and a programme of events see the website

We are very lucky to have the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve on our doorstep.  A  designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, the reserve is a mosaic of habitats beside the sea with shingle, saltmarsh, sand dunes, rivers, pits, grazing marsh, reedbeds and farmland.   There is a paved road from the car park down to the sea, so you can take (or hire) bicycles!

They have a full program of events for all the family, and this Saturday children aged 5-11 get the  chance to find out more about the natural world and the special wildlife at the Reserve in their ‘Wildlife Watch’.  Activities include exploring the reserve, playing games, craft activities and learning how to help wildlife thrive.   For more information click here

 

We are thrilled to be included in the Sunday Times’ round up of the best places to stay in the UK!

“..it has bagged the best spot in Rye, in the centre of the high street. All 34 rooms are stylishly distinct”

To read the full online review click here.

Journalist Dominique Ayling reviews The George in the October 14th issue of TV Life magazine.

“We loved the hotel’s style – all 34 bedrooms and suites of the 16th century hotel have been individually-decorated by the owner and there are special touches everywhere you look”

Dear Georgians

As the school holidays come to an end and we enjoy the last rays of summer, Rye welcomes an exciting line-up of recreational, art, music, literary and theatrical events throughout September.

For the athletes among you, the very first Rye Ancient Trails Race takes place on Sunday 9th.  Starting and finishing in the town, this challenging, circular route winds its way through the beautiful countryside linking the Norman churches of Rye and our nearby villages – a true steeplechase!   You may choose to run either 30km or 15km, and the race is open to runners of all abilities, so you don’t need to be a Paula Radcliffe or a Mo Farah to take part!  All proceeds will go to the Oliver Curd Trust, which provides holiday accommodation to families affected by childhood cancer and other life-threatening and life-limiting conditions.  Please see the website for tickets and further information.

Also on Sunday 9^th is Rye Festival of the Sea – a celebration of Rye’s maritime history.  Get yourselves down to the River Rother to see the Raft Race – a fleet of vessels constructed from ‘readily available materials’ and crewed by groups of local friends and businesses donning fancy dress.   You even get the opportunity to join in the flour bombing from the safety of the quay!

One of the top ten mini-festivals in the country, the Rye Arts Festival, returns on Friday 15th till Sunday 30th September.  The underlying themes this year celebrate the centenary of the end of World War 1 and the introduction of votes for women.  The literary programme features the Rt. Hon. Dame Joan Ruddock DBE, ex-Cabinet member and CND campaigner, and legendary broadcaster Andy Kershaw, to name just two of the guest speakers.  There is a host of international stars from the worlds of classical and contemporary music, and an exceptional visual arts offering across different venues in and around the town.  You can download the full festival brochure here.

With so much going on you will undoubtedly need some downtime, which can be spent in The George’s Tap Bar sampling our brand new cocktail menu.  We heartily recommend the ‘Dragon Slayer’ (Westerhall Rum No.2, Fair Acai Berry Liqueur, Lime Juice & White Sugar) and ginthusiasts will love ‘Miss Lucia’ (Beefeater Gin, Briottet Peach Liqueur, Lemon Juice & White Sugar) – just don’t mix them!

Finally, we’d like to say a huge thank you to our guests for contributing to the latest charity featured on our check-out scheme.   Dom’s Food Mission aims to help feed the homeless and families in food poverty and to make an impact on food waste in Hastings and the surrounding area.  The charity, set up in 2015, now feeds over four thousand mouths every month and is run by a team of dedicated volunteers. Dominic Warren, who founded the charity with his wife Alexandria, said: “It’s with the amazing support from incredible teams like the one at the George in Rye and their wonderful guests who have helped us to reach more people in need. From our hearts we would like to say a huge thank you to you all.”

With best wishes for the coming month

The George in Rye

The George in Rye is featured in Red Magazine’s 20th anniversary issue.

“If the decor at The George is sensational, the food is something else.  West Mersea Pacific Rock Oysters are served three ways here… and then there’s the charcoal fire Josper oven, on which steak and lobster are seared to perfection…”

To read Sarah Tomczak’s review of The George please click here

The Rye & Battle Observer features an article on local restaurateur and publican Simon Aylett.  Simon, who has been fighting prostate cancer for the last five years, is taking on the challenge of his life when he embarks on a 2,000 charity bike ride from Rye to Syracuse in Sicily on 1st September.

Simon is raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK.   The charity was featured on The George’s Guest check out scheme recently and The George and our guests donated £1,000 to Simon’s cause.

To read the article, please click here.

The Rye & District Country show was held last Saturday, 18 August, at Elm Tree farm in Icklesham.  The annual show included the ever-popular  horse and dog shows, as well as a classic car show and displays from the Tigers Army Parachute Display Team.  The George in Rye is delighted to have been a sponsor of the show, the proceeds of which go towards St Michael’s Hospice.   To read the article in the Hastings Observer click here.

Rye and The George in Rye are featured in the July issue of The English Home magazine.

“Winding cobblestone streets, charming black-and-white medieval half-timbered houses and delightful red-brick buildings characterise the perfectly quaint town of Rye, home to the much-photographed Mermaid Street and pub of the same name. Amongst the many delights here, this unique place some two miles from the sea boasts homeware hotspot The Shop Next Door, adjunct to The George in Rye hotel and gastropub.

Set in a building dating back to 1575, this stylish hotel adds a contemporary twist to English country style. Upstairs, rooms range in size from Queen rooms to Junior Suites…”

To read the full article please click here.

“Made up of attractive cobbled streets and a gamut of narrow passageways, the medieval town of Rye is made for exploring. It’s like stepping back in time as you discover buildings dating back to the medieval, Tudor and Georgian eras….another fine example of a historic inn is The George on Rye’s High Street, which dates back to 1575. A luxury hotel, each room is designed with its own bespoke furniture and colour theme. Dine at its in-house restaurant and enjoy a drink in its own pub, The George Tap”.

Read the article from Visit Britain here

 

 

“The George stands on Rye’s cobbled High Street right in the thick of things. You eat in the George Grill, an open kitchen on display, perhaps Provençal fish soup, grilled rib-eye with hand-cut chips and gooseberry soufflé with bay leaf ice cream. Walk it off by following the river down to the sea.”

We are thrilled to have been featured in iNews’ article, “25 of the best coastal pubs to visit in England and Wales.”

Greetings Georgians!

Whilst the UK is basking in this glorious heatwave, our own Camber Sands (just 10 minutes drive down the road) has been looking more like The Bahamas than East Sussex! We’re very lucky to have the less well-known beaches at Rye Harbour, Winchelsea and Pett Level also on our doorstep and we’re absolutely thrilled to be featured in the current issue of Food & Travel Magazine as one of their “10 of the Best Waterside Hotels”. The magazine is on shelves at the moment or you can read a copy of the article here.

Our terrace is the perfect place to while away these long, midsummer nights and it’s looking particularly spectacular at the moment. We’d heartily recommend some alfresco dining after a day on the sands – perhaps a dozen oysters on ice and something long and chilled to drink? If seafood is not your thing, our summer menu features some tantalising salads, including watermelon & feta with chorizo, mint and vinaigre de Jerez.

The Shop Next Door is bursting at the seams with summer goodies – we love these festoon lights and hand-made Kenyan baskets, guaranteed to brighten up any outdoor space.

Next door, our wedding shop is now open for business on Rye’s High Street, so if you are recently engaged, or someone close to you is tying the knot, feel free to pop in and talk to our weddings co-ordinator Natalie, who’d be delighted to see you!

With lots to look forward to over the next couple of months, including added events over the Rye Jazz Festival and Lamb Players’ performance of ‘As you Like it’ at the magnificent Fairlight Hall, we can guarantee a fun-packed mini-break in Rye.

Finally, we’d like to thank our guests for contributing to our Guest Check Out scheme. Most recently, we’ve featured Prostate Cancer UK as local resident and restauranteur Simon Aylett is undertaking the challenge of his life and we’re thrilled to be supporting him. Simon, inspired by his own personal battle with the disease, is riding his giant e-bike from Rye to the southern tip of Sicily, covering around 2,000 miles, to raise funds for the charity. “I have been fighting prostate cancer for five years now and I want to help the charity to continue their fantastic work,” he says. The George and our guests have already donated £1,000 and you too can donate by clicking here.

Enjoy the summer and until next month!

The George in Rye

The Peasmarsh Chamber Music Festival takes place in 21st-24th June and brings world-class musicians to this small corner of rural East Sussex, allowing audiences to enjoy international chamber music on their doorstep.

With nine concerts over four days, it is a significant event in the regional cultural calendar.  Concerts take place either in the Norman church of St Peter & St Paul at Peasmarsh, or in the beautiful setting of St Mary’s Church in Rye.

For those attending the orchestral concert in Rye on Friday 22nd June, The George Grill is offering a pre-concert supper at either 5:30pm or 6:00pm – 2 courses £20, 3 courses £25.  Please call us to arrange your booking on 01797 22 2114.

To kick things off, we have some rather exciting news! The George has been named the top Boutique Stay in Sussex in the 2018 Muddy Stilettos Awards! We were up against some pretty stiff competition so we are feeling more than a little chuffed with ourselves. Muddy Stilettos is the go-to source for news of all things fabulous and people have been voting in their thousands for their favourite venues all over Sussex.  Thank you, you wonderful lot, for bringing us out on top!

In other news, a brand-new boutique music festival is coming to East Sussex this weekend, June 15th-17th. The TN32 Festival has been launched by local singer/songwriter Sam Calver as a way of bringing together the astonishing array of musical talent in the area. From soul to reggae, there will be something to cater for all musical tastes. What’s more, there will be street-food stalls and craft beer to satiate the crowds, plus hot tubs, sauna, yoga and massage for those in need of some pampering after all the partying! There will also be plenty to keep the little ones entertained, with a kids’ rave, fun-fair rides, face painting, craft activities and a forest school. Book tickets here.

Our local Nature Reserve at Rye Harbour is one of the largest and most important wildlife sites in England. The Rye Harbour Discovery Centre Appeal is raising money for a much-needed, brand new visitor centre at the site and it’s getting a big boost from the Hastings Philharmonic this Saturday June 16th, at 7.30pm, from their special opera gala at Rye’s newest venue. The Old Bourne Auction House in Rock Channel Quay has been transformed for this special event, featuring the Hastings Philharmonic orchestra and chamber choir, plus conductor and baritone Marcio da Silva, soprano Alice Privett, tenor Leonel Pinheiro and bass Vedat Dalgiran. There will be stirring music from a selection of composing heavyweights, including Puccini and Verdi. Book tickets here.

Until next month!
The George in Rye

The George has been named the top Boutique Stay in Sussex in the 2018 Muddy Stilettos Awards!    Muddy Stilettos is the go-to source for news of all things fabulous and people have been voting in their thousands for their favourite venues all over Sussex.   In their own words “The Muddy Awards are free to all and run as a good-natured, positive celebration of brilliant, unique and unmissable businesses across the Muddy counties”  Thank you to everyone who voted!

With the mercury rising, the calendar in our perfect pocket of south-east England is hotting up.

Being National Walking Month, May is the month to get walking! Why not strap on your boots and set out on a bucolic circular ramble, starting at Rye railway station and crossing relatively easy terrain. The route takes you past the hauntingly beautiful Camber Castle, built on Henry VIII’s orders – the centuries have worn down the structure and it now resembles a softly squatted sandcastle. A short but sharp hill leads to the pretty streets and rose-clad cottages of Winchelsea, before trotting back to Rye.

Staying with our neighbouring Cinque Port, green-fingered fathers will enjoy a tour of the Winchelsea Secret Gardens on June 16th. Part of the National Garden Scheme, this is a one-day opportunity to see some lovely private gardens in this ancient town. Round your weekend off with a slap-up Father’s Day lunch the following day in our Grill – booking essential!

Meanwhile, for the foodies among you, the inaugural Rye Food & Drink Festival is being held on June 8th-10th just outside Rye. There will be stalls featuring local produce, street food, craft ales, live music and activities for the kids.

And finally, of (musical) note, the Peasmarsh Chamber Music Festival returns on June 21st-24th, bringing world-class musicians together to perform nine-concerts. For those attending the orchestral concert in Rye on Friday June 22nd (8pm in St Mary’s Church), The George Grill is offering a pre-concert supper at either 5.30pm or 6pm – two courses for £20 or three for £25. Call 01797 222114 to book.

Until next month!

With best wishes
The George in Rye

Tracey Davies reviews The George in Rye on the Telegraph online…

“This charming 16th-century inn in the Cinque Port town of Rye is a real delight. Inside, there’s an atmospheric locals’ bar, a rash of vintage-chic rooms and a modern gastropub restaurant. No wonder it’s a firm favourite of Hollywood movie stars.”

“The young team offer a friendly, genuine service as they skitter around the bar and dining room in a casual breton-slash-Converse uniform. Facilities include The Tap bar with its cosy snugs and secluded courtyard, and a chichi gift and interiors shop called The Shop Next Door, where you can pick up many of the hotel’s most covetable pieces, such as fish jugs, mohair throws and Ren products”.

To read the full review, please click here.

“A harbour two miles inland. A town that fell into the sea. Sheep that like to live by the coast. Smugglers sneaking across tidal marshes. …. A coastal walk where you only glimpse the sea from afar”

We love this post from Discover Britain about the Rye and Winchelsea walk.  To read more click here.

Greetings Georgians

Rye’s Christmas lights have started their nightly twinkle, our halls are well and truly decked and we are told our winter cocktails have started to make people feel bright and merry. We are starting to feel truly Christmassy!

In The Shop Next Door, our window is packed with goodies – these indulgent metallic sheepskin slippers will make any pair of feet feel both toasty and glamorous! Come in and create your personal Christmas wish list for friends and family to choose from. With REN toiletries, True Grace candles, merino wool throws and gorgeous server ware, there’s sure to be lots that takes your fancy!

We’ve had lots of enquiries about our lovely gift vouchers which can be used in the Shop, the Grill or towards a stay in the Hotel. We’re delighted to let you know that these are now available to buy online via our website and can be sent directly to your loved ones in time for Christmas! Alternatively, please call us on 01797 222114 (or email us) and we’d be happy to arrange this for you. You can choose any denomination from £5 upwards, or you can buy an afternoon tea or even a stay in one of our luxurious rooms!

Here are some of the exciting things planned for the town in the run up to the festive period…

On Saturday, 9th December, Rye will once again come alive with all the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas. This year the theme is ‘Toyland’ and there’s something going on in every corner of the town, including street performances, the Santa Express, a Christmas market and a Victorian carousel! For further information on what’s happening see the Christmas in Rye website.

The finale to the day is the first performance of the first ever professional Rye Pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk. Oh yes it is! With 14 performances over Christmas, tickets are available from the Rye Creative Centre.

The following weekend, the team behind the Rye Jazz festival are putting on two very special concerts in the beautiful setting of St Mary’s Church. On Friday 15th December the fabulous Mica Paris sings Ella Fitzgerald. Then on Saturday 16th, legendary duo Chris Difford and Glen Tillbrook of Squeeze belt out old favourites such as ‘Up the Junction’ and ‘Cool for Cats’ as well their new material. Tickets for both events are available here.

We hope to see you in the coming weeks!

The George in Rye

We are delighted to let you know that we are teaming up with the NSPCC again to offer one lucky winner the opportunity to run in the 2018 London Marathon AND we will provide £1,000 of sponsorship!

All sponsorship raised will go to the NSPCC.

The online ballot for the 2018 Marathon has now closed, but if you missed it, you may still have the opportunity to run!  Please email us at [email protected] giving your name, your phone number, when you last visited us, a reason why we should choose you and how you anticipate raising your sponsorship. Entries need to be in by midnight on Wednesday 8th November and the lucky winner will be announced on Friday 10th November.

*There is a £100 administration fee to be paid to the NSPCC by the winning entrant.   The NSPCC require £2,200 of sponsorship of which The George in Rye will provide £1,000. The winner will need to complete the NSPCC’s application form and the NSPCC will need to be satisfied that the winning entrant will raise the required funds.

Rye Creative Centre, in association with Christmas in Rye festival,  brings you a traditional family pantomime with a twist.

Join Jackie, Dame Trott, Winchelsea Will, Fairy Nuff, the Maids of Iden, the Ogre of Brede and Romney the lamb on a magical adventure.

The cast is made up of local professional actors in leading roles, supported by local youth talent, directed by Jeremy Tustin and produced by Hayley-Marie Axe.

Rye’s 7th annual Wild Boar Week takes place from 21st to 29th October 2017 and offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in wild boar and other gamey culinary delights from the countryside.   There are also events including walks, tours, live music and quiz nights.  See the website for further information.

Our third comedy night for 2017 takes place on Friday, 13th October, brought to you once again by Lonestar Comedy.

Our Headliner this time is Rudi Lickwood.  With a super confident playful personality oozing charisma, Rudi’s infectious charm has made him a desirable commodity on the Comedy circuit. Rudi has built an outstanding list of Radio and Television projects alongside his headline performances at top comedy venues across the UK.

‘Easily the funniest new comic I’ve seen this year’ GLR
“Observant engaging interactive comic whose routines roll out like warm custard over Spotted Dick.” The Independent

Support comes from Sully O’Sullivan and we’re delighted to welcome back Russell Hicks as compere.

Our special offer for Dragons is just £5 each (£10 for non-Dragons). Doors open at 7.30pm, starts 8pm. To buy your ticket, ask at reception or give us a call on 01797 222114.

This time around we are offering a supper of Thai curry for just £5 – be sure to order this at the same time (vegetarian option available). If you’re not a Dragon, don’t worry, just join using a form at the George to get the discounted ticket price.

The film company StudioCanal has announced a very special late summer event on Camber Sands.

On the evenings of Wednesday September 20 and Thursday September 21, StudioCanal will present the premiere of a new restoration of Leslie Norman’s classic wartime epic Dunkirk (1958), on the beaches of Camber Sands where it was shot. The event is produced in association with The Luna Cinema and The Vintage Festival, and is part of the Britain on Film collection: Coast and Sea.

As well as the screening, event-goers will enjoy an evening of themed 1940s home-grown entertainment, including food and drink of the era, 1940s dance classes and set dressing, music and walkabout re-enactments. Gates will open at 5:30pm, and the screening will begin at 7:30pm.

There will also be a special guest introduction.

For tickets see here.

 

The Hastings Seafood and Wine festival takes place on 16th and 17th September around The Stade and Rock-a-Nore Road in the heart of the Old Town of Hastings.

Indulge in a mouth-watering weekend of delicious seafood and luscious wines.  The festival site and the marquees on The Stade by the historic Net Huts house a range of food, wine and themed activities to tempt everyone. Live music and street entertainment complete the lively festival atmosphere.

Adult wristbands are £1 in advance from the Hastings Information Centre, Aquila House; £2 on the gate; children (U18) free. No dogs are allowed on site other than assist dogs.

Rye Arts Festival takes place in and around medieval Rye for a fortnight every September, this year from Saturday 16th – Saturday 30th September. The festival comprises opera, classical and contemporary music, drama, walks, a stimulating array of authors, performers and both high profile and emerging artists.  Some events are ticketed, others free to all comers. For further information please see the Rye Arts Festival website.

Simply Garden are hosting a talk on how to care for your house plants on Saturday 16th August at 7:30pm at The Printworks, 14 Claremont, Hastings.

If you love the idea of introducing some greenery to your interior but aren’t sure which plant to buy and where to site it, or if you need some tips for your burgeoning jungle, this talk will hep you choose the right plants for the right rooms in your home and give you some great tips on how to look after them.

Tickets are £8 which includes a welcome drink on arrival and 10% off all plants, pots and plant feed for sale on the night.

Call 01424 319093 to reserve your ticket or pick up from the shop at 51a George Street, Hastings.

The George in Rye is now featured on Halcyon Hotels. See the link here

 

Hastings Pirate Day 2017 is back with a vengeance, with events taking place  from Hastings Old Town to St Leonards Warrior Square.  On Sunday 16th July, Hastings turns into the pirate capital of the world with thousands dressed as pirates with spectacular events, live pirate music, processionsand swashbuckling action in a day of non-stop entertainment.  Highlights include of the day include a display by the elite Princess of Wales Regiment free fall parachute display team ‘The Tigers, landing on Hastings Pier and the biggest community created pirate flag in the world and paraded along Pelham Beach, filmed from the air.  Hastings currently holds the ‘Guinness World Record for the Largest Gathering of Pirates’.

The George in Rye provided a prize for the “Cow Pat Bingo” at the Benenden Village Fete on 24th June.

Despite a rather gloomy and damp start to the day attendance levels were excellent.  Glitter was released at 2.30pm and performed almost immediately.

The winner was square 65, Angela Marshall (who was visiting her daughter in the village).  She wins a stay at The George in Rye – congratulations Angela!

 

 

we are featured in the July 2016 issue of Prima magazine in their roundup of boutique hotel escapes.

“..this former coaching inn on Rye’s pretty Victorian high street is the real deal when it comes to one-off boutique gems.  There’s a buzz about this cosy, yet chic den with its 34 individually-designed bedrooms and its sophisticated restaurant……”

 

 

 

 

Jane Anderson reckons Room 31 at The George is the coolest family room in the UK.  Please see her ‘Trending Now’ article in the May/June 2015 issue of Family Traveller.

“We reckon Room 31 at The George in Rye is the coolest family room in the UK.  Tucked round the back of this boutique gem of a  hotel, with its own rickety wooden staircase, the converted barn mixes cool Fifties design with wood-clad walls.  There’s a vast double bed for mum and dad, a wooden cubby-hole bed for the kids with its own TV and DVD, a stand-alone roll-top bath and immense monsoon shower….”

To read the full article please click here.

The George in Rye is featured on the ‘Artfully Erudite’ blog.

I decided early on that I wanted to feature the fun around an overnight stay. My criteria was picturesque, boutique and with great food…

After trawling the Internet, overwhelmed by choice, it was actually Charlotte who suggested ‘The George in Rye’ as the Argyrou go-to for romantic getaways. And it didn’t disappoint. The George is located in a prime position on Rye’s pretty cobble-stoned High Street, punctuated with antique shops, pubs and tearooms.

The George certainly hit the mark when it came to providing some character – the hotel has 34 individually styled rooms, each with their own quirks and colour palettes.

I was feeling flush so plumped for Room One, a Junior Suite with a heavenly four-poster bed, enormous bathroom and private front door opening onto a pretty courtyard.

 

To read the full article please click here.

 

Susy Smith writes about The George in Rye and The Shop Next Door in the ‘Out and About’ section of Country Living’s website.

‘A Night and a Day in Rye, East Sussex’

“For an overnight stay in Rye, The George in Rye offers a well-located and stylish base.  The owners have managed to pull off that rarest of feats, introducing stylish, sometimes quirky, contemporary design into a series of 16th Century buildings without losing the gracious charm of the period. This is down to the talent and expertise of co-owner Katie Clarke and her design partner Maria Speake who sourced fabrics, furnishings and individual pieces from an eclectic range of established brands, reclamation yards and local designers.

The 34 rooms and suites are idiosyncratic in their shape, size and decorating styles. One favourite is the Junior Suite in room 31. Formerly a hayloft, it has a gabled ceiling with bleached wood walls and features a hidden double bed for children – although the quirkiness wouldn’t be lost on most adults either – a fabulous wet room and a luxurious, nickel roll top bath”.

To read the full article please click here.

 

St Michael’s Hospice was the chosen charity for our ‘Guest Check-Out Scheme’ during April and May 2015 and received over £1,000 in May.

St Michael’s Hospice offers specialist, palliative care to people with life-limiting illnesses in Hastings and Rother, an area which serves over 175,000 people, including residents of Rye.

The Hospice welcomes around 400 in-patients; provides 3,700 Hospice at Home visits; and offers 1,000 hours of bereavement counselling. In order to offer such specialist and professional care, the Hospice must raise nearly £10,000 every day.

In 2013 The George introduced a scheme whereby a £1 discretionary donation is added to every guest’s bill. Guests are asked on checkout if they would like to donate to our chosen local charity and we then match every £1 donated by our guests.

The Hospice was our chosen charity during April and May and received over £1,000 in May 2015.

 

A lovely write up of The George in Rye by Emma O’Reilly.

Please click here to read the article.

“Contemporary British design meets historical charm at this boutique bolthole by the sea” says Angelina Villa-Clarke of BA Highlife.

“Potter along the cobbled high street of Rye, one of the UK’s prettiest coastal towns, and you may at first fail to notice the discreet exterior that is The George. Once inside, it’s a different matter. The East Sussex coaching inn may date back to the 16th century, but the interiors — particularly the bedrooms — are a veritable showcase for contemporary British design….”

To read the full article, please click here

The George in Rye is featured in the March 2015 edition of GQ magazine as part of a their round-up of Rye, East Sussex.

“Once one of the major centres of trade in England and a member of the Cinque Ports federation, this hilltop town perched above Romney Marsh is famous for smugglers, authors such as Henry James and artists such as Paul Nash.  Other famous locals have included Tom Baker and Sir Paul McCartney.  Today, it is being reinvented as a cool weekend destination for food and fresh air – and arguably the best beach in Britain.”

To read the article, click here

A lovely feature of The George in Rye and our Director, Katie, in the February issue of Essential, Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom magazine!

“Inspiring spaces – A mix of stylish design, carefully chosen antiques and home comforts make for this cool and understated hideaway hotel.”

To read the full spread please click here

Condé Nast Traveller’s Sally Shalam rounds up the UK’s best seaside hotels and eateries.

“I’d book a room just up the coast at The George in Rye (www.thegeorgeinrye.com; doubles from £135), which now has The Shop Next Door so you can take the hotel’s vibrant style – velvet cushions, Moroccan slippers – home with you. The restaurant has a wood-charcoal grill but also makes much of fresh lemon sole, lobster and Rock-a-Nore kippers. Admittedly, Hastings itself is well endowed with B&Bs, but as nights draw in, the advantages of a lively bar and restaurant just downstairs hardly need pointing out.”

To read the full article click here.