RE: December newsletter from the George in Rye

Interesting to see this newsletter, because I stayed at the George over Christmas and was very dissatisfied. Lots of broken promises, disappointing food and, sadly, no sense of occasion. I wrote to Alex and Katie after the event (they weren't present at Christmas) but didn't even get the courtesy of an acknowledgment - they just passed my letter on to the manager. He accepted many of my criticisms but offered nothing other than assurances that they will consider them for future events. They seem to be strong on marketing but weak on performance.

A customer :: 24 Feb :: Comment / reply

December newsletter from the George in Rye

Sounds great!

We're looking forward to welcoming many of you to The George in Rye at Christmas time. If you're not staying but would like to come to Rye over the festive season, do pop in for a drink. Rye is great for last-minute Christmas shopping - it's small and offers a quirky alternative to the usual high-street options. From the beautiful perfume bottles and decanters in Glass Etc (recently featured in the Evening Standard) to Juel's collection of modern glass jewellery and artisinal perfumes, there are lots of interesting present ideas. Ask us if you would like recommendations of the best antiques shops, too. There are lots of them!

In the new year we are introducing a Chocolate Upgrade which will transform your visit to The George into a cocoa-induced paradise. The upgrade begins with an Milk Way cocktail (made with chocolate liqueur). A box of Rococco chocolate truffles will be waiting for you in your room, while the bathroom with will be stocked with cult beauty brand Bella Lucce's Chocolate Silk Bath Bubbles and Peruvian Chocolate Moisurising Creme. We suggest calling down for your cocktail, running the bath and taking drink and chocolates in with you! The experience finishes with a bang: a three courses chocolate-themed dinner in the dining room. If you'd like to head for chocolate heaven, the upgrade is £50 per person and you can find out more here.

If you want to go the whole hog, one of the world's best chocolate makers, Artisan du Chocolate, are nearby at Ashford, and run tutored tasting events every month. Their chocolates are wonderful, and many of them very unusual: banana and thyme, black cardamom, sun dried lime, chestnut tree honey or even tobacco. The tastings are £35 per person, and you can book here.

If you've ever watched Cash in the Attic (are we revealing how sad we are?!) and wondered whether you might have anything in your loft worth a mint, pop in to The George from 10am-4pm on Monday 12th January, antiques expert Clive Attrell who you might recognise from 'Dickenson's Real Deals', will be holding court in the bar and inviting you to bring in your bric a brac, which he'll value and possibly make a cash offer.

Wishing you a Very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year from all of us at The George in Rye

Alex and Katie

2008 :: Comment / reply

George Inn (Rye) August newsletter

This month we're delighted to announce the launch of 'the george dragons', the new privilege card from The George in Rye. Become a dragon, and you'll get exclusive monthly discounts and offers that you can take advantage of as many times as you like. It’s free to join and you can sign up for your card online, here.

Lots of you enjoy visiting the beautiful and unusual gardens of Great Dixter when you're here. When we found out that their head gardener Fergus Garrett runs Garden Study Days we seized the chance to team up with them. Book a place on one of Fergus' fun and practical tutorials (upcoming events include Exotic Gardening, and a day on how to choose the best plants) and you receive a special Room Rate which includes Breakfast and Dinner, starting from £150 per room. Look here for more on Garden Study Breaks at The George in Rye. In any case, the Dahlias are out at Great Dixter right now in full force, so head over to take a look as they really are quite something.

If you're more of a bibliophile, you'll enjoy The Rye Arts Festival in September, which attracts some of our most celebrated writers and artists. We are hosting five events for this year's festival, ranging from live music to readings and illustrated talks. The highlight: join Louis de Bernieres and Ilone Antonius-Jones (right) on Friday 19th September for a lovely afternoon listening to their charming music interspersed with jewels from Louis' new, compelling and deeply moving love story, A Partisan's Daughter. More on this, and other Rye Arts Festival events, here.

If you're feeling glum from the wet summer, take heart from the bottom picture which shows me (Alex) and brave (or foolish) friends of The George getting soaked at the annual Rye Raft Race, a local tradition where you make a raft, set sail down the River Rother, and pray to God that you won't sink.

Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Best Wishes

Alex and Katie Clarke

The George in Rye
www.thegeorgeinrye.com

2008 :: Comment / reply