Winter’s getting us in its clutches, and as much as we love Christmas, after the New Year we often feel a little stodgy and in need of a pep-up post-festive season. To that end, we are offering an MOT break to guests, an opportunity to spring clean body and mind in the calm and cosy surroundings of The George in Rye. Get away from it all for some R&R, with invigorating treats such as yoga and massage punctuating your relaxation. The MOT would be a great gift for a loved one, as it includes luxury accommodation, delicious meals, and extra treats all included. The Break is available in January and February 2011; find out more about it and book here.

For all you literary types, Rye’s Lamb House (pictured) is hosting An Evening of Henry James on Friday 3rd December, highly suitable given this was his own home. Join Phillip Horne, Professor of English Literature at University College London, and novelist Suzie Boyt for discussion and debate on one of the great American Novelists. As former president of the international Henry James society, and Series Editor of the Penguin Classics Henry James, Phillip Horne knows his stuff! Suzy Boyt holds a lifelong interest in James – she is also the author of four novels including THE LAST HOPE OF GIRLS,  which was shortlisted for the John Lewellyn Rhys Prize. You might also have spotted her weekly column in the Weekend Financial Times. The evening kicks off at Lamb House at 6.30pm. Ticket are £15 and include a glass of prosecco – the event will be popular, so please get your tickets in advance at The George in Rye’s reception, or email [email protected]. While we’re on bookish matters, on the 11th December from 10am, the Rye Secondhand & Rare Book Fair is happening at Rye College, The Grove, Rye, TN31 6NQ. Entrance is free and there will be 25 dealers offering books and ephemera to suit every pocket.

Finally, we’re very excited by the opening of a new clothing and homewares shop, Bird Boutique, at 113 High Street, Rye. As well as their own range of luxury basics they’re introducing lines like Eley Kishimoto, Queene & Belle and Spooner and Watts, many of them stocked by the likes of Liberty of London. Bird are offering friends of The George in Rye 10% off from their opening at the beginning of December, to New Years Eve. Get your discount on anything, from dresses to purses to jewellery, but be sure to put it through in one transaction. To claim your discount, just quote “George and Bird” when you go in.

Best Wishes
Alex and Katie Clarke