Hello Georgians.

We write our final, festive newsletter of 2012 with a glass of Mulled Wine in-hand (shhhhh!) and with our huge Christmas tree perched outside on the first floor hotel balcony (we went a bit overboard this year on the decorations). It’s been quite a year in Rye, which really has built a reputation as one of the best towns for a short break in England. You’ll have noticed in recent newsletters that independent shops continue to flourish while arts programming in the area, particularly in nearby Hastings, is getting very strong. For those who haven’t been for a while, can we welcome you back in 2013? Post-Christmas, the logs will still most definitely be flaming on the fire, the Tap will still be serving hot toddies, and we’ll be welcoming friends and families into the Grill for lobster lunches.

If you’re looking for an unusual last-minute Christmas present for the person who has everything, we’ve been scenting our reception with a revival of English pot pourri – Blend #1 by Odette Toilette. Odette is a friend of The George in Rye who is serving real home fragrance connoisseurs. This is as far from the old-school realm of pot pourri as it’s possible to get: the mix is moist and hand-cured in salt to create a really gorgeous, unusual smell, chock full of bay, geranium, cedar, resins and flowers. It’s also seriously potent, lasts for months and much easier than a candle. Odette is selling the pot pourri on her site at £45.00 but for Georgians she’s offering pots for £35.00 if you use the code GEORGEINRYE by 31st December when ordering online. Last day for Christmas posting is Thursday so be quick if you want under the Christmas tree!

In just a few weeks, it’ll be shucking time again, as the town’s inimitable Scallop Festival gets underway, one of the best specialist food celebrations in the country – having even made the Debrett’s events guide this time round! Last year Alex had to have a lie down after eating twenty five scallops in one sitting. If you think you can beat that, come down to stay at The George between 2nd -10th February and go mad on this local and delectable shellfish which will be served in restaurants all over the town. Don’t forget our midweek break offers if you’d like to come on Sunday to Thursday nights.

Next up, we wanted to give you very advanced warning of a great event taking place half an hour from Rye next June. The Forestry Commission have launched a series of annual concerts called Forest Live, each of which takes place in a woodland setting. Well who’d have thought it but the beautiful Bedgebury Pinetum (pictured), which is probably more used to ducks rocking out than humans, is hosting a Blondie gig. Tickets are £35 via the Forestry Commission website.

Finally, from everyone at The George in Rye, we wish you all a fabulous Christmas, a Happy New Year and a delightful rest over the next couple of weeks.

Best Wishes

Alex and Katie Clarke