Where to eat

Restaurants

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. 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.

The 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.

Old Forge, Rye
The place for meat, especially char-grilled steak. Cooked in full view. However, there is some fish and it is local. As you drive into Rye from Winchelsea, at the first roundabout, go straight ahead into Wish Street. The Forge is on the right, just after the café. You will have to park elsewhere and then walk back. Well worth it. Strong on local produce. 01797-223227.

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@thepacecambersands.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.

Wild Mushroom, Westfield
Simply the finest 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.

Bistros & cafés

Globe Inn, Rye
Very comfortable and relaxed pub, almost a wine bar. Described as a 'pub with restaurant'. Free house. Pleasant garden. Situated on the Military Road out of Rye towards Appledore. Lots of local produce. A tad on the expensive side for a pub, but par for the course for a restaurant. 01797-227918.

Pub food

Bridge Inn
On the road from Winchelsea to Rye, almost at the foot of Strand Hill. Built in 1545 as the Customs House. Friendly pub. Serves pub food. Open all day. Large car park.

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). Good, honest pub food: the best in the area and of a consistent standard. There is always an interesting selection of beers, including local brews. The staff are pleasant and there is a convivial atmosphere. Occasional music in the evenings. Nice log fires in the winter. 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 but worth waiting for a table. Open all day. 01424-814552. There is a pleasant walk from Winchelsea across the fields or down side roads. Recommended.

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. Public bar has a billiard table. Open all day. Does B&B.

The New Inn at Winchelsea

The Plough, Cock Marling/Udimore
Recently re-opened. Many good reports. Situated on the Udimore Road out of Rye. There is also a pleasant walk from Winchelsea across the Brede Valley. 01797-223381.

Ypres Castle, Rye
Known locally as the Wipers. Probably, the best pub in Rye. 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.

Sea Food

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.

The 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.

The 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.

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