Let’s start with breakfast.

Whitehouse on the High Street makes great coffee, delicious cooked breakfasts,porridge and pancakes. We can recommend the ‘Build your own’! Lovely homebaked bread/toast from the in-house Lazy Baker.

The Grainstore, a few minutes from the cottage, next to the vintage shops on the Strand is a great place to have a coffee and watch Rye wake up on a summer’s morning. Sitting outside means that you can watch everything happen – it’s a little like sitting in a French square!

Apothecary Coffee House, (High Street) open 9-5 serving wonderful coffee, fresh pastries (fabulous maple and pecan Danish pastries), light lunches and crepes!

The Fig (High Street) – we adore their brunch menu. Poached eggs, guacamole, halloumi – delicious, our favourite. You can have a pastry and delicious coffee if you’re up for something simpler.

There are many really great places to eat in Rye, so the only problem for us is not eating too much!

Hoof – just up The Mint serves ‘The’ best burgers, even their veggie burger is great. Locally grown and sourced food which we love.

The Standard is a favourite haunt of ours. We love the atmosphere and and food is very good. I personally could eat their veggie option every day and Christopher loves the pies!

Marino’s – well what can I say. People come from far and wide to eat their absolutely delicious fish and chips. We challenge you to find a better fish and chip restaurant. We thought we knew the best until we came across Marino’s.

The Globe in Military Road is a short walk (ten minutes) and a very nice pub. Rustically styled in a coastal fashion, with lobster pots, lanterns, casual dining and lovely friendly welcome. We love it. Gentle live music in the bar area on Thursday evenings. And fabulous Sunday lunches.

Simply Italian on The Strand good for pasta and pizza, and we are frequent visitors!

The Ship offers casual dining, a slightly limited menu but we have always found the food to be good. Now operated by Hush Heath Vineyards. Try a glass of their locally produced wine.

Webbe’s Fish Cafe – fresh fish from the local ports of Rye and Hastings, and seasonal locally foraged food. Open kitchen and buzzy vibe.

Landgate Bistro, we always enjoy eating here. Modern bistro serving locally sourced food, fresh locally landed fish, marsh lamb and pork.

We like to have a drink at the historical Mermaid Inn, and we obviously love The George for drinks in the courtyard, hot chocolate after a late evening walk, or a lovely meal. Ypres Castle Inn, next to the Tower, is a great place to have a drink and listen to live music.

We can throughly recommend Knoops near Landgate for simply the best hot chocolate in the world!

Cobbles Tea Room on Hylands Yard, (a small cobbled street just up The Mint on the right hand side) has been known for 60 years as Rye’s premier tearoom. Loose leaf teas, cakes, scones and light lunches.

The Lazy Baker bakes the best bread. He bakes at the Whitehouse on the High Street. He makes fabulous focaccia bread on Thursdays and his sourdoughs are delicious.

Grandpa Oranjeboom is Christopher’s absolute favourite marmalade maker. Marmalade available to buy at the Whitehouse – definitely buy a few jars! We particularly like the Lapsang and Lime.

Rye Deli has lovely things on offer, particularly for lunch to take away. They make fabulous sandwiches, salads, cakes. Perfect to take away on a picnic. If you’re with us for a few days ask for their loyalty card. You might earn a free pack of sandwiches! Great for olives and cheeses too.

Jempsons, opposite the railway station, is great for all your basic food and general shopping requirements. Their shop in Peasmarsh is also very good, with an excellent fresh fish and meat counter.

Markets – Farmers’ Market on Wednesday mornings on The Strand and every Thursday morning there is an excellent market at the Cattle Market (Rope Walk).