The tide keeps changing on this medieval magnet, a pretty hilltop hub that’s been luring in East London creatives and interesting interior designers for years. And now, there’s a strong batch of smart spots to bed down, a cool natural wine vineyard just outside of town, and an endless supply of antique shops to mosey around in. Here is where to eat, sleep, drink and play in the England’s coolest seaside town.
SLEEP
The Gallivant
Not technically in Rye, but just down the road in cosy Camber – the site of one of England’s best beaches, completely lined with frilly dunes and fine sand. You might even question whether this pocket of Sussex really is the UK, rather it feels more like a seaside motel in the Hamptons or Nantucket. And The Gallivant is a beachy beauty – a shacky (but incredibly well designed) 20 room hotel-meets-members-space. Inside, pastel panelling is decked out with retro swimsuits and old-fashioned posters and cigarette cards.
But this is a place to settle down with a good book after a blustery day at the beach. The ethos here? Reuse, reduce, recycle – from the kitchen oil waste that’s used as biofuel, the rugs made from recycled plastic, and ingredients from tomatoes to wines that are sourced nearby (they also host regular beach cleans and their refillable water campaign puts money towards Blood Cancer UK).
Spot young Londoners here sipping Sussex sparkling wine, or stretching out in morning yoga classes in the studio, as well as mother-and-daughter duos feasting on freshly-grown greens and just-caught oysters on the outside deck. Nab a garden room – with terraced tables amidst dancing blooms of wild grass, curly lavender, and bright purple verbena bonariensis – then, sling those French doors open for some salty sea air.
COFFEE
Whitehouse Rye
Sit down to an excellent brunch of blueberry buttermilk pancakes, Turkish eggs and salmon hash. In a rush? Pop in for a flat white and grab a fig and walnut sourdough or brown butter, hazelnut, chocolate chip cookie on the way out.
SHOP
Rae Lifestyle
Former Hackney residents Alexa Rae and her partner left the city for a slower scene and brought their coffee knowledge and small maker catalogue with them. It’s the ultimate space for independent homeware, and equally as good for buying gifts for yourself, or those upcoming birthdays. Shop the beautifully curated collection of vintage clay pots, natural linen napkins, batch-made candles, rugs, hand soaps and more.
Puckhaber
One of Rye’s smartest antiques stores – at least the most minimally striking. Find whitewashed ceramics or thick-cut wooden furniture (mostly sourced from Sweden or France) alongside more contemporary pieces including heavy wool blankets, jazzy jewellery and neon nail varnish.
Merchant & Mills
Much more than just a clothing shop, Carolyn Denham and Roderick Field set out to help budding makers and successful sewers thoughtfully create in a likeminded space while also giving them the opportunity to work with beautiful fabrics, patterns and tools. It’s a textiles haven, and might even inspire you to take on the craft yourself.
Camber Landing
The latest opening for beach goers – and from the team behind Rae Lifestyle. By day, it’s an Allpress coffee house meets-lifestyle-goods store with flaky pastries, deli delights and a pretty seaside edit of pillows, coffee table books, merch and more. By night, Camber locals and Dalston escapees head here for natural wine, beer on tap (made nearby) and live music. Keep an eye out for the weekly activities – from salty sea yoga to fish and chips Fridays.
SHOP
McCully & Crane
Another gallery-meets-interiors-shop from two ex-Londonders – this time, it’s more Picasso and papier-mâché than pastel and pebble. It’s the place to splurge – an Yves Klein coloured vase, Edwardian barley twist chairs, or salvaged plaster lamps from Hertfordshire.
EAT & DRINK
The Fig
The only way to start the day – and so popular for brunch it’s best to arrive first thing to beat the weekend crowds. Vegetarians are happy with halloumi eggs, while sweet-toothed teens love the French toast waffles. But you really can’t go wrong with avo-smash either. All served until midday.
Marino’s Fish Bar
Rye’s favourite chippy and a staple of The Mint, this is the place for a fishy fix. Expect all the classics – harbour-caught cod and chunky chips, mushy peas, and fried pineapples.
The Plough
A quick taxi ride (or one-and-a-half hour walk) from Rye, this is a pub for serious eaters. Young families and groups of thirty-something year olds pile round terrace tables to feast on crispy fish and chips, ham hock croquettes or towering plates of Sunday roast. It has pretty marsh views too. A sleeper hit that not many weekenders know about, so book in quick.
Tillingham
One the coolest, most interesting, biodynamic vineyards to open in the past few years. Leading the charge in low intervention wines, Tillingham also has a hot table-to-book from ex-Silo zero waste chef Brendan Eades. During the summer months, they dish up alfresco wood-fired pizzas overlooking the oast house.
SEE
Ypres Tower
History buffs flock to this 13th century port overlooking Romney Marsh and along the Sussex coast. Once an important defensive outlook (then transformed into a prison, court hall, fort and now museum) is a pretty view point to perch with some fish and chips (from Marino’s in town) before heading in. An impressive example of Rye’s smuggling past – but no pirates welcome.
Camber Sands
Dunes, dunes and more dunes. This wind-swept beach is a sandy haven for locals and sun-seeking out-of-towners in the summer. Bring your dog, they’ll love running from end to end.
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