Whitehouse Rye – Our Favourite Spot for Brunch

Right in the centre of town, just along the High Street, Whitehouse Rye is a firm favourite for brunch. Set in a beautifully restored listed building, it’s a relaxed café and  bakery serving up everything from fluffy blueberry pancakes with vanilla mascarpone to bacon flatbreads with chilli jam and crispy onions.

Everything’s made fresh, and you can pick up a loaf of their excellent  sourdough to take back with you. It’s walk-in only, so you can drop by whenever the mood strikes.

📍 24 High Street, Rye, TN31 7JF.  🌐 Visit Website

🕗 Opening hours: Daily 8:30am–4:00pm (brunch until 3:00pm, coffee and cake until close)

Knoops – Rye’s Original Artisan Hot Chocolate Bar

Just a few minutes from One Church Square, Knoops is a must for chocolate lovers. Founded in Rye in 2013 by Jens Knoop, it’s now franchised around the country – but this one is the original.

You can choose from over 20 chocolate percentages (from 28% white to 100% dark), pick your milk, and add extras like sea salt, orange zest or chilli. They also serve iced chocolates, mochas, and shakes – all made to order and seriously good.

📍 Tower Forge, Hilders Cliff, Rye, TN31 7LD 📌 Find on What3Words

🌐 Visit Website.   🕗 Opening hours: Mon–Fri & Sun: 8am–6pm Saturday 9pm

Haydens – Eco-Friendly Brunch in the Heart of Rye

Tucked along the High Street, Haydens is a family-run café and guesthouse known for its eco-friendly ethos and quality, locally sourced ingredients. The brunch menu covers all the bases – from full English breakfasts and cheddar eggs to pancakes and Eggs Benedict – with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options too.

It’s a welcoming spot with a thoughtful approach to food, and a great choice if you’re after a relaxed, sustainable bite to eat in Rye.

📍 108 High Street, Rye, TN31 7JE.         🌐 Visit Website

Marino’s – Classic Fish & Chips 

If you’re craving proper fish and chips while you’re in Rye, Marino’s on The Mint is the go-to. Just a few minutes from the house, it serves fresh fish straight from the local harbour, cooked to order and consistently spot on.
You can eat in, but we often grab a takeaway and head down to the beach at Pett Level or Camber Sands to eat fish and chips and watch the sunset – it’s one of those simple things that always feels like a treat.

They also offer a gluten-free batter on request (just note it’s cooked in the same fryer), and you can order online here for quick collection.

📍 37 The Mint, Rye, TN31 7EN

🌐 Order Online

Kino Rye – Your Cosy Local Cinema

Just around the corner from One Church Square – quite literally a stone’s throw away. It’s our brilliant little local cinema: small, stylish, and surprisingly luxurious, with plush seating and a well-curated mix of independent films, new releases, and live event screenings.

There’s also a lovely café bar serving great coffee, wine, snacks, and sweet treats – plus a quiet courtyard garden if the sun’s out. Whether you’re escaping the rain or planning a relaxed evening out, Kino is always a good call.

📍 Lion Street, Rye, TN31 7LB  🌐 Visit Website

💡 Tip: You can bring your drink into the screening with you.

Rye Health Store – Your Local Wellness Hub

Just a short walk from One Church Square, Rye Health Store has been part of the town since 1982. This independent, family-run shop is our go-to for wellness essentials – from organic wholefoods and vitamins to natural beauty products, herbal remedies, and eco-friendly household items.

The team are knowledgeable, approachable, and always happy to offer advice. Whether you’re after a healthy snack, a herbal tea, or a quick top-up of skincare bits, it’s a great spot to pop into during your stay.

📍 91 High Street, Rye, TN31 7JN

🕗 Opening hours: Mon–Fri: 9:00am–5:00pmSat: 9:30am–5:30pm

Sun: 11:00am–4:30pm

Tibbs Farm – Pick-Your-Own & Valley Views

Just five minutes from Rye, Tibbs Farm is a brilliant countryside stop – especially in the summer months. There’s pick-your-own fruit (strawberries, tayberries, raspberries and more), space for the kids to roam, and a café that’s become a bit of a local favourite.

Set high above the Tillingham Valley, the café looks out over classic hop gardens and rolling fields. They serve farm-to-fork food, including proper bacon rolls, cakes, and – in summer – their  homemade ice cream, famous with the locals  has freshly blended  fruit picked straight from the farm. Simple, local, and seriously good.

📍 Udimore Road, Rye, TN31 6AR.  🌐 Visit Website