Intriguing histories, resident ghouls, roaring fireplaces, cracking ales and tasty pub grub.
In Rye pubs aren’t just places where you can buy alcohol (although the odd pint or two is very much encouraged); they’re also intrinsically wrapped-up with the town’s colourful history.
Nowhere is this more apparent than at the Mermaid Inn, on the sloping, cobbled Mermaid Street. It was here that the likes of the infamous Hawkshurst Gang once supped their brews, whilst plotting their next smuggling adventure.
Step back in time and experience the unique atmosphere of one of England’s oldest and loveliest inns – rebuilt in 1420 – and with Norman cellars dating back to 1156.
If the cold sea breeze begins to bite then take refuge next to the huge open log fireplace and soak up the atmosphere, if you feel a shiver don’t panic its likely to be one of the many resident ghosts!
Next up, head down to the bottom of Mermaid Street and you will find The Ship Inn, built in 1592 as a warehouse to store contraband seized from the towns smugglers.
It is now a quirky character pub, with plenty of places to sit outside during the warmer months and a fireplace snug for the winter – the perfect destination for a cosy pint and some top grub on a chill winter’s day. The food is all locally sourced and seasonal, like the bread which is from local artisan bakers, The Lighthouse Bakery. We recommend the homemade burger, its fantastic and well worth the walk from Camber to Rye!
If you are visiting with your four-legged friend then you will be pleased to know muttley is welcome, this is a firm favorite of our furry family member Oscar.
Love a Sunday Roast? then The Standard Inn is the place to go in the Mint. Its a pub that oozes history and character that happens to serve up top notch grub. A quintessential English pub that has been serving customers since the 15th century. Cosy up next to the roaring fire and take your pick of menu showcasing the best produce of the region.
Still feeling thirsty? then next stop is the Ypres Castle Inn next to Rye Castle. This white weatherboarded pub is just a few metres away from Rye’s fishing fleet which provides the freshest of fresh fish to the restaurant. The garden is a great place to have a bevy with lovely views over the sheep dotted marsh where the local smugglers plied their trade.
And last but not least the Globe Inn, a very quirky white clapboard-covered pub on the edge of Rye. The decor is eclectic from corrugated iron walls, hanging buoys and glowing oil lamps to wine bottle candelabras and lobster pot lampshades and was named one of the best pubs in the country.
The food is superb and the menu is wide ranging such as bonfire pizza from the wood-fired oven to lookers lamb pie, or choose one of the ‘Daily Doings’, local seasonal offerings such as Rye Bay scallops, Dungeness sea bass, Romney salt marsh lamb and our favorite, the pig ribs to share.
Right, whose round is it?
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