In a subtly and sophisticated manner The Union Rye has been changing the food scene in East Sussex, putting impressive dining firmly on the map in this area. As with pretty much everything in the historic town of Rye, this bar and restaurant lives in an incredible building dating back to the 15th century that adds to the ambience.

While you’ll be in elegant surroundings, all attention needs to go on the food. The menu is dictated by the seasons and local British produce, with the chef priding themselves on being ingredient led. The results? A menu that changes daily and is edited depending on what the nearby suppliers grow and deliver.

Well ahead of the trend for sharing plates, The Union Rye has long been offering a selection of smaller dishes for the whole table to enjoy. A typical menu will include the likes of rolled lamb belly, oregano and sourdough crumb, Cornish mussels, Curing Rebels Sobrasada, heritage tomatoes, pork chop, Charrington’s cider and skate, brown butter, samphire, capers, lemon.

Being so close to the coast it would be rude from them not to serve oysters, skate, trout et al – so expect fish to feature heavily too. There is also a weekday set menu for those less inclined to share their food who or those like Muddy who struggle with what to order.

All the reviews praise the service, even noting how the kitchen knows exactly how to pace the meal and which plates to pair with each other so you don’t get everything at once. You can indulge at your own pace, exactly how things should be!