insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 10 - December 2015 | Page 102

TOWNSPOTLIGHT
Rye cont.

Things to Do
Rye Heritage Centre
The Rye Heritage Centre is the best way to
learn about the town before you set out to
explore the streets themselves. Here you can
learn about the story of Rye, and how it came
to be as lovely – and as important – as it is.
You can also see the famous Rye town model
sound and light show, which is a great way
of bringing history to life. At certain times it’s
possible to join in with town walking tours,
following an expert guide along the picturesque
cobbled streets. The Heritage Centre is host
to a fantastic working collection of Old Pier
amusement machines, and has a variety of
gifts, books and maps.
Mapp and Lucia’s Rye
Fans of author E. F. Benson and his books
detailing the exciting lives of Mapp and Lucia
may know Rye by a different name altogether:
Tilling. Tilling was the fictional seaside town in
the Mapp and Lucia books, but it was really a
thinly disguised Rye (the name actually comes
from the River Tillingham, which flows towards
Rye Bay). Now fans and new readers alike can
join in with a tour that will take you all around
‘Tilling’, and point out the homes and places
that the characters frequented.
Rye Castle Museum
Rye Castle, also known as Ypres Tower, was
built in around 1249 or so, although no one
is completely sure of the exact date. Visiting
the castle is a fascinating and fun look back
into the sometimes dark and murky past,
and showcases various elements such as the
prison cells, the still room, the medieval pottery,
and the medieval garden.
Lamb House
From writers to royalty, Lamb House has had
its share of interesting guests. Part of the

National Trust, a visit to Lamb House will inspire
and intrigue. It was owned by brilliant American
author Henry James, and became a centre
for his wide circle of literary friends, including
H.G.Wells, Joseph Conrad, Rudyard Kipling,
Max Beerbolm, Hilaire Beloc G.K.Chesterton,
Compton Mackenzie, and Ford Maddox Ford.

Dining Out
The Ambrette
This is a meal with a difference! The Ambrette
menu is seasonal and features a mix of local
and exotic ingredients, and head chef Dev
Biswal has an adventurous, artistic and openminded approach to creating dishes. Here you
can experience different cuisines and different
ingredients, and never have the same meal
twice. The restaurant features unique foraged
produce such as local seaweed and game
along with traditional favourites such as lamb
and chicken. Examples of the exciting food
include mushroom samosa, breast of wood
pigeon smoked with cloves and marjoram, and
fresh fish of the day, with locally grown sea
spinach served with mung lentil kedgeree, kale,
pickled fennel, parmesan crisp, and sauce of
South Indian spices and coconut.
Landgate Bistro
Ranked as the best restaurant in Rye
according to the Good Food Guide, the
Landgate Bistro certainly lives up to its
reputation. This is British food with a modern
slant, using locally sourced ingredients (and
that includes the milk and cream). This is a true
treat of a dining experience. Why not try the
onion and cider soup; the rib, cheek, and belly
of pork, served with apple ketchup, potato and
apple balls, and purple sprouting broccoli; or
the spiced pigeon breast, served with a port
reduction?

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Fletcher’s House
Once home to Jacobean playwright John
Fletcher, Fletcher’s House is where you can
find a lovely lunch or cream tea set in beautiful
surroundings. Sit by glowing log fires in the
winter or enjoy the attractive terrace garden
in the summer – away from the bustle of the
town. Food here includes chicken, bacon and
leek pie, served with potatoes and a medley of
vegetables, baked avocado and stilton served
with salad and new potatoes, and of course
the delicious cream teas that come with a
selection of homemade, freshly baked treats.
Simply Italian
As the name suggests, this is Italian food,
simply cooked. Is there a better way? We
doubt it! Seat yourself in the comfortable,
family style dining room and prepare to let your
taste buds enjoy themselves as they sample
dishes including pasta, pizza, and some
gorgeous aperitifs.

Annual Events
Rye Raft Race & Fete // Aug
As well as the annual raft race down the River
Rother, there is a traditional fete of 50+ stalls
and rides. The raft race includes crews in fancy
dress bombarding each other with water and
flour bombs!
Custom and Classic Car Parade // Nov
Dozens of stunning cars make their way
around the town and harbour for spectators
to enjoy.
Wild Boar Week // Oct-Nov
Wild Boar Week offers the perfect opportunity
to indulge in culinary delights from the
countryside… and more than boar! Local
restaurants will be showcasing an array of
gamey treats including mallard, partridge
pheasant, rabbit and venison.