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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Lovely street in Clerkenwell lined with independent shops and very good restaurants (Exmouth Market's the home of Moro, a restaurant that kick-started the regeneration of the street ten years ago).

When I strolled down recently there was a new outdoor food and craft market. I was very very pleased to see that Neals Yard Cheese had a stall as usually you have to trek to Covent Garden or Borough market for their cheeses. Was lovely to be able to buy some really good, and not ridiculously priced food but wihout the business of some of London's other markets. I think the market's only there on Friday and Saturday; a lovely way to while away a weekend afternoon, especially as there are lots of tasting opportunities and a really good mix of well-known companies and tiny cottage industries.

Off Rosebery Avenue near Farringdon Road.
Nearest Tube is Farringdon
website is www.exmouthmarket.co.uk

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