The George in Rye is certainly no wet-behind-the-ears new opening. It’s been around since 2007, when Katie and Alex Clarke bought and renovated a 450-year-old coaching inn with a burst of contemporary interiors nous that the venerable old Cinque Port town of tea rooms and antiques shops hadn’t seen the likes of before.
With time, though, hotels often gain a sense of assurance in what they’re doing – and why. And whether it’s in the very local-feeling bar, the excellent restaurant or the 28 rooms above, The George is definitely a hotel that knows how to make its guests happy and keep them coming back for more.
The rooms are all still beautifully styled. One of the owners was a set decorator in the film industry, and her eye for the theatrical is certainly apparent in the swirling pattern wallpaper and colourful fabrics, offset by more calming colours and well-chosen, classic pieces of furniture. But these modern additions don’t take away from the historic premises, and there are plenty of low ceilings, creaking floorboards and exposed beams to keep the atmosphere sufficiently inn-ish.
Certain other things are constants in The George’s appeal, too: as you’d expect from an inn, it’s got a cosy (but cool) bar that’s perfect for settling in on wintry afternoons with the papers by the open fire and a wood-panelled Regency-style sitting room (where there's another open fire). Owner Katie is the sister of Sam Clarke (founder of Moro in London), and food writer (and one-time Telegraph savvy-shopper), Rose Prince, so she should know how to set up a winning eatery. Sure enough she does, with lobster and squid coming from Rye Bay, lamb coming from Romney Marsh, and everything coming to the table exactly as it should do.
What’s hot?
- Historical premises mixed with contemporary interiors
- The Lefroy Brooks fixtures and fittings and REN goodies in the bathrooms
- All the little things – like the selection of teas in the rooms
- The fab food
What’s not?
- The rooms aren’t huge
- The odd duff note in the service in the restaurant
Need to Know: The George in Rye
Number of rooms: 24
Check-in/check-out times: 2.30pm and 11am
Room service: Yes
Swimming pool: No
Spa: No
Dogs welcome: No. Dogs are only allowed in the bar
Eating and drinking: The George Tap is the place for drinks and light bites (in summer, there’s a courtyard out back to have a drink in), while The George Grill is the overhauled restaurant, where Andrew Billings serves up excellent (and very local) food fresh from a wood-charcoal grill.
Near to? On the high street, and flanked by all the assorted tea rooms, antiques shops and pubs that Rye’s known for.
Getting there: Rye is pretty easy to get to from London and Birmingham, being a 20-odd minute train ride from transport hub Ashford International (trains to/from Ashford International leave once every hour). By car it’s about an hour and 40 minutes’ drive from London and an hour and 10 minutes away from Brighton.
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