We begin our July newsletter with a special treat that’s up-for-grabs. One of the things guests of The George most look forward to is having a nice long soak or shower with the REN body products that are in each bedroom. Their Neroli and Grapefruit shower gel is the perfect pick-me-up after one too many G&Ts the night before, while the Rose Otto body lotion smells absolutely divine. The lovely folk at REN have offered up a competition prize to Georgians – a hamper worth £150, and made up of any REN goodies you like from their whole range. To be in with a chance of winning, just head to our Facebook page, and like and comment on the competition post. We will pick one winner randomly 2 weeks later. Good luck!

From bathtime relaxing to something more fizzy…Rye is positively buzzing at the launch of the Rye International Jazz Festival, which runs from 23rd-27th August. They say: “Drawn on the inspiration and success of the world famous Montreux Jazz Festival, and combined with the colours, hustle and bustle and vibrancy of New Orleans, The Rye International Jazz Festival will be an annual highlight in the South East events calendar for music lovers, day trippers and long weekenders.” We say, ‘Hurrah’. Legendary acts such as Ginger Baker and his Jazz Collection will be playing alongside exciting new talent like Anthony Strong and one of the UK’s finest gospel choirs, IMDC. The George in Rye will be hosting part of the programme, including acoustic sets in the courtyard garden. To see the full programme including details of a Cuban Marching Band performance, head to the festival site, and to check room availability at The George.

If you love a bit of home decor, but the easy way, you simply must check out Rye’s new shop Supernice, which has just opened on the High Street. Supernice specialise in wall stickers which provide an instant way of transforming a room from plain to interesting, and they represent a range of designers. Their first shop is in London’s Columbia Road, and where did they choose for their second, but Rye! The photo on the right comes from the Savannah College of Art and Design and you can check out many other styles, including some great stickers for kids’ bedrooms by Nintendo, on their website.

Finally, one of Rye’s favourite summer events has come to be Shakespeare in the gardens of the National Trust’s Lamb House, performed by the Lamb Players all of whom have West End, TV, RSC or National Theatre pedigree, and who will be staging Love’s Labour’s Lost from 10th-12th August. Bring a picnic, sit back in the gorgeous setting, and enjoy one of Shakespeare’s earliest comedies, dazzling in its wordplay and punnery, and following the fortunes of three young men who swear to avoid the company of women in favour of years of study…see information on dates, times and tickets via the Lamb Players.

We hope you have a lovely summer, and will end by giving you a virtual nudge and a wink to spend a few days in Rye. More from us next month.

Best Wishes,
Alex & Katie Clarke