The George in Rye

Ruyman looked after us at lunch yesterday, and he seemed to be leading the waiters. He was attentive and engaging, checking that everything was all right. That’s exactly the sort of person a busy restaurant needs. The three of us had two courses and a large glass of Picpoul each. My daughter took Ruyman’s recommendation of the moqueca and thoroughly enjoyed it. Good food, excellent service.

I’d not been to the George since the renovations, but the menu tempted me back. The octopus starter and Romney Marsh lamb main were faultless, and the octopus was a great first for me. I enjoyed that meal so much I booked another for the next night, a Saturday at the start of scallops week in Rye. The place was very busy, but dinner was just as good: BBQ duck to start, then fish and chips. Anny looked after me and was completely on top of things in a full restaurant. She’s destined for great things in hospitality. The food, service and atmosphere were all excellent, and the decor was calming with just the right subdued lighting. I only wish I could get to Rye more often from Edinburgh.

We only stayed one night, and a guest lounge was the one thing we missed. There’s a tiny seating area at the front, but it was always full while we were there and was being used by non-guests. Aside from that, it was a lovely stay. The hotel is beautiful and full of history, and our room was lovely. The staff were kind and helpful when a small room issue came up. We didn’t eat at the hotel, but enjoyed drinks in the bar. Customer service was impeccable, with lots of thought in the details, from the pre-check-in call to the items in the room. We’d stayed at a similar hotel in Bury St Edmunds recently and agreed they could learn a lot from The George.

Harry came to our friend’s aid after she fell on the concrete steps from her bedroom to the courtyard. His first aid was excellent, and he stayed calm and caring through a traumatic evening. The steps should probably have a yellow strip or something similar to make them easier to see. We were at The George for our first visit, arriving on New Year’s Eve for two nights with good friends. Our superior room had a spacious, well-appointed bathroom, but the bedroom felt cramped and claustrophobic. We were on the second floor, up three flights of stairs, two steep, narrow and curved. The wardrobe was tiny, there were no drawers or proper storage, and we couldn’t use the chest because the TV and kettle sat on top. The small window looked out over rooftops. Staff were friendly, helpful and attentive, and did try to move us. A wedding made it hard to find a seat in the busy bar and lounge on New Year’s Eve. The restaurant’s limited menu was the same both nights, and we struggled to find something different for the second. My husband had fish and chips both evenings, and I had a starter as my main on New Year’s Day.