Where to eat
Eating in Winchelsea
New Inn
On the junction of German Street and Hiham Gardens, at the western end of the High Street, opposite the Town Sign. 'New' actually means 1720. Nice beer garden. Parking at the back. Serves food. Open all day. Does B&B. New management since March 2010. 01797-226252.
Bridge Inn
On the road from Winchelsea to Rye, almost at the foot of Strand Hill. Built in 1545 as the Customs House. Serves food. Open all day. Large car park.
Winchelsea Lodge Motel
Situated at the bottom of the hill as one approaches Winchelsea along the A259 from the direction of Icklesham and Hastings. Recently refurbished.
Winchelsea Farm Kitchen
At the back of the butchers, there is a tea room with a small courtyard.
Eating near Winchelsea
Fish Café, Rye
The best food thing to happen to Rye in a long time. Located in Tower Street (which leads up to the Landgate from Cinque Port Street) in a refurbished Arts and Craft warehouse (when it was built in 1907, it was the first fireproof building in the world). Downstairs is an informal café-style restaurant, which is open from 11:00am. On the first floor, there is a formal restaurant, which is open 6:00-9:00pm. Open all week. Some local fish: should be more. The proprietors also run the excellent Wild Mushroom in Westfield. The décor is a bit stark, so there is nothing to absorb the noise. 01797-222226 or 222210.
Landgate Bistro, Rye
In the Landgate, the street leading up to the Landgate tower (TN31 7LH). After several changes, the latest owners have produced a restaurant specialising in local produce that is even better than the original bistro and almost as good as their website. Modern British fare. 01797-222829.
Mermaid, Rye
One of the most famous hotels in the world, situated on equally famous and cobbled Mermaid Street. Rebuilt in 1420. Very atmospheric. Since a change of ownership, the hotel has been cleaned up, but some of the new paintings are a little out of place. The restaurant now seems to cater for unadventurous foreign tourists by playing it safe: the food is still good but gone are old glories like steak tartare and chateaubriand. Nice lounges to sit in before and after dinner. Small car park through the arch but it can be awkward to turn into. 01797-223065.
Queens Head, Icklesham
Take the A259 from Winchelsea towards Hastings. Drive into Icklesham (about 1 mile from Winchelsea) and, after about 100 metres, take the first right down a narrow lane (keep your eyes peeled for the entrance). Pub food. There is always an interesting selection of beers, including local brews. Occasional music in the evenings. Features in the Good Pub Guide. CAMRA Sussex Pub of the Year in 2005. Garden with lovely views towards Winchelsea. Play area for children. Large car park. Can get crowded at peak hours. Open all day. 01424-814552. There is a pleasant walk from Winchelsea across the fields or down side roads.
Plough, Cock Marling/Udimore
Recently re-opened. Many good reports. Situated on the Udimore Road out of Rye. There is also a very pleasant walk from Winchelsea across the Brede Valley. 01797-223381.
Tuscan Kitchen, Rye
8 Lion Street (TN31 7LB). Genuine Italian cooking produced by a husband and wife team. Service can be a little slow but well worth the wait. 01797-223269.
Ypres Castle, Rye
Known locally as the 'Wipers'. Built in 1640. Situated by the Gun Gardens off Church Square. There is also a footpath up from the Undercliff opposite the car park on the Salts. Good pub food including local fish. There is a detached garden looking across to the River Rother. 01797-223248.
Worth a trip from Winchelsea
Mermaid, Hastings
On Rock-a-Nore Road in the Old Town. The other end of the social scale from its namesake in Rye, but simply the best fish and chips in the world. Inside, it is small and unprepossessing, so try to get one of the tables outside if the weather permits. Very generous portions, beautifully cooked and very good value. Efficient service. Have a look behind the counter at the subterranean kitchen. Next door to the Mermaid, there is a fish bar with two counters at which you can stand and eat anything from jellied eels to amazingly fresh oysters at bargain prices. There are great fish shops opposite. It is worth making a day of it and visiting the excellent Underwater World and Shipwreck Museum. You could even visit the amusement park: candy floss, go-carts, dodgem cars and a ghost train that will have you in fits. Take the funicular railway to get a superb view of Hastings.
Pilot Inn, Lydd/Dungeness
Lydd is a strange place, but has this gem. Excellent fish and chips. Good value. The Pilot sits on the beach at Lydd and is a dramatic location in rough winter weather. Pleasant and efficient staff. Local fish. Weird website. 01797-320314.
The Place, Camber Sands
Although Camber Sands is one of the best beaches on the south coast, Camber itself takes its cue from Pontins. The Place is however from another world. Cool décor, good food, tables outside under an awning in the summer. Somewhere for ladies who lunch. Lots of local produce. The Place also has excellent accommodation. 01797-225057 or enquiries@theplacecambersands.co.uk. Just across the road from one of the Camber Sands car parks. It is about 3 miles from Rye on the New Lydd Road, which takes you past Rye Golf Club.
Royal Oak,Brookland
Take the A259 from Rye towards Ashford. Just off the road (TN29 9QR). A pleasant restaurant, friendly service and excellent food. The website says "casual yet classy", which is 100% correct. There is also a proper pub bar for drinkers and nice garden at the back. B&B available. 01797-344215.
St Clements, St Leonards
3 Mercatoria (TN38 0EB). Fish restaurant. Pleasant decor and nice atmosphere. Excellent food and huge portions. 01424-200355.
Wild Mushroom, Westfield
Woodgate House, Westfield Lane (TN35 4SB). Simply the best food in the district but first you have to find your way to Westfield. Not cheap, but superlative. The place for special occasions but should not be neglected at other times. 01424-751137.
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