This week we found out that we’ve been shortlisted as Best Independent Hoteliers at the Independent Hotel Show. This new event is responding to the fact that small and one-off hotels have really started to be noticed against the bigger groups and chains. While normally we’d say ‘please vote for The George!’, in order to do so you have to register to attend a trade fair. We know you love us, but for those working in any job other than travel (probably most) this could end up as a rather surreal situation for you. The prize is awarded in October and we will let you know if we win!

We are always pleased when it’s time for the Rye Arts Festival. Every year the programme gets even better, and 2012 events include scientist Robert Winston delivering a pre-concert lecture for Cosi Fan Tutti titled ‘Are Women Really Like That?’, and musician Pete Morton performing Chaucer’s The Miller’s Tale through the music of Bob Dylan. If you are in Rye on Sunday 23rd September, do book a ticket to see the veteran television journalist Sandy Gall talking about the war against the Taliban, and why it went so wrong. Thirty years ago Sandy was with the juhadideen for weeks to make a programme about them and the Soviet Army. With his expertise in the subject matter, he has more recently interviewed NATO leaders, diplomats and Afghans to update the story. Sandy was booked to do his talk once and it completely sold out, so he has added a second run (which is also selling quickly). Tickets are £10 and bookable online.

The quirky historic feel of The George in Rye makes us a favourite with couples looking for a vintage-style wedding. The photo here shows an intimate reception in the Benson Room just a few weeks ago. We’ve hosted everything from 1920s celebrations to a 60s mod wedding, and as one result of this, we’ve built up a little black book of suppliers – from florists to cake-makers – who do things a little differently. This October we decided to bring the best people together by hosting our own Vintage Wedding Fair in the ballroom. If you or anyone you know is getting married, and prefers a Vintage look, we’d love to welcome you any time from midday to 5pm on Sunday 21st October. You’ll be able to tour the hotel as well as meeting companies like photographer Wild Weddings and Wookie Flowers. To register, email the events team at [email protected] – it is of course free to come.

Finally, The George’s comedy nights are often a Friday night treat for guests staying the weekend. This time round on 29th September we are welcoming the intriguing headliner, Otiz Cannelloni (pictured) an entertainer meets magician with a touch of the Tommy Cooper about him. The Guardian call him a ‘Magical wag – bewitching’, and Time Out say Oriz is “master of mirth and minimalist magic…delightful’. With food and drink available on the evening (of course! What is a comedy night without a pint?), doors open at 7.30pm and tickets are £10 each (or “2 for 1” tickets for Dragons) – find out more about the acts on the website.

With all best wishes for the coming month,

Alex and Katie Clarke