KENTSTAYCATION
MODERN ROMANCE AND HERITAGE COMFORT IN A CINQUE PORTS’ GEM
THE GEORGE IN RYE
BY SAMANTHA READY
Few towns in England wrap you up in history quite like Rye. Cobbled streets winding between timbered houses, salty breezes drifting in from the marshes and echoes of centuries gone by lingering in every weathered brick. Nestled right at the heart of it all stands The George, an inn whose walls have stood since the 16th century, recently and lovingly restored into one of the South East’ s most characterful escapes.
Inside, The George strikes that perfect chord between heritage and modern comfort. The interiors are a brave yet considered blend of bold, textural choices: deep reds, mustard yellows, tapestrystyle fabrics and intriguing layers of pattern and woodwork. There’ s a sense of heritage running through it all, but also something fresh and spirited; a stylish nod to the building’ s long history without ever feeling stuck in the past, and all elements underpinned with unwavering service.
Our room, located via a myriad of quirky passageways and a private staircase leading only to our door, was the very definition of indulgent hideaway. Framed by dual-aspect sash windows and a feature fireplace, the space felt both dramatic and cocooning, finished in soft pink colours, tactile fabrics and bold artwork. A freestanding roll-top bath gleamed in one corner of the bathroom, perfectly placed for long soaks, while crisp white linens and velvet cushions beckoned us towards the enormous bed.
Before dinner, we slipped downstairs to the rear terrace, a secluded suntrap dressed in elegant white sail cloths that fluttered gently in the breeze. It’ s the kind of space that feels hidden away from the world: glasses clinking, soft laughter rising, a hush of conversation beneath the sails. Our predinner Espresso Martinis arrived perfectly balanced, bitter and smooth.
Heading back inside, we were shown to a cosy booth in the middle section of the dining room which wraps from bar to pass across quirky levels and aside the heritage windows that stand as testament to the inn’ s past. Dinner at The George Grill was an experience full of warmth and quiet theatre. We started with roasted Rye Bay scallops, of course, nestled in their shells and bathed in golden garlic butter, each bite was sweet and tender, the butter pooling at the base for plenty of bread-dipping potential. The crispy lamb belly followed, generously spiced with hints of cumin, crisp on the outside and yielding inside, delivering a satisfying smoothness of heat and earthiness from a rather generous portion.
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