The genteel half-timbered town of Rye combines cobblestones and crumpets, but it's a lucky tourist who nabs one of the elegant tables at Fletcher's House. Fiercely guarded by present-day Mapps and Lucias, this local institution is always jammed with Rye's movers and shakers. While Pete attends every whim front of house, Lee has them stifling cries of ecstasy at the confections displayed on his tiered cake stands. The gossip flows as the floral frocked cognoscenti nibble home-made fruit flans and sip Lady Grey tea from fine bone china. But beware the glint of a filigree butter knife among the patterned polyester as it silently slips into an absent neighbour's back.
If, Withnail-like, you demand the finest wines available to humanity to wash down your fluffy scones, don't worry, they have a wine menu too.

www.fletchershouse.co.uk
2 Lion Street, Rye, TN31 7LB
+44(0)1797 222227
Google map: bit.ly/JrcoTq

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This is a find! Birthplace of the Jacobean playwright John Fletcher (he was as well known as Shakespeare in his day) this charming house is now Fletcher's Tea Rooms.

A great place for morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon teas. The size of the scones is amazing and makes other cafe's scones look a trifle midget! The owners are gracious and charming and there is a warm welcome.

Upstairs is a quaint, but stunning, private function room. Perfect for a small party or gathering. I was invited to a private funtion and the buffet was absolutely stunningly presented.

The house is situated right beside the church in Rye, one of the quaint Cinque Ports. Lamb House, a National Trust property, is close by. It was home to the authors Henry James and, later, E.F. Benson creator of the 'Mapp & Lucia'novels. The fictional 'Tilling' is in fact Rye and you can walk around and see the houses and locations used in the TV series.

We loved Rye and the atmosphere and food at Fletcher's. Well worth a visit!

www.fletchershouse.co.uk/

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Lovely Tudor coaching inn at the centre of Rye. A couple of friends live in nearby Hastings, so I come to Rye and stay at The George when I want to extend my trip with some R&R!

The place had closed for restoration until recently (i'd actually been in a couple of years ago when only the bar was open. The rest of it was a bit of a 1970s nightmare). Couldn't believe it when I went back. Beautifully designed rooms, very personal and quirky, as far from a hotel room as you can imagine (and no box shaped rooms in sight).

The George also has a restaurant (very good food, particularly when Rye's many tea rooms get a bit samey) and an evocative, historic pub.

Unfortunately we're currently in the depths of winter as The George's garden, which is in a courtyard, is also very pretty.

This really is a homely but stylish place, and I'd also urge those just visiting Rye for the day to stop in for lunch or a drink, as it's such a beautiful hotel.

One more tip: try to visit Rye when Lamb House is open, a National Trust property that Henry James lived in for the latter part of his life. Only open a couple of days a week but well worth a visit.

98 High Street
Rye
East Sussex TN31 7JT


T 01797 222 114
www.thegeorgeinrye.com

Nearest Station Rye

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