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The Union Rye

East Sussex, Rye - Modern British - Restaurant - ££

Pleasurable, easy-going former pub

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

‘I just love it here and feel so lucky to have such an exemplary spot as our local neighbourhood restaurant,’ sums up the many reports from locals and visitors who have been impressed by the Union's friendly, relaxed atmosphere – and by the cooking, which is both seasonal, current and fresh. And with a centuries-old rough-hewn interior, this former pub charms with its plank floors, exposed brick and timbers, open fireplaces and simple furnishings. Sharing plates of escalating size signal informality, too, and the oft-changing repertoire (strongly focused on local produce) encourages regular return visits. Dishes are flavour-driven – a mash-up of eclectic global flavours along the lines of wild sea bass with pak choi, cuttlefish and a rich sobrasada sauce. As for drinks, we’ve heard good things about the blood orange Margarita, and the short wine list has been carefully chosen. Everything is offered by the glass or bottle, so it’s tempting to experime...

‘I just love it here and feel so lucky to have such an exemplary spot as our local neighbourhood restaurant,’ sums up the many reports from locals and visitors who have been impressed by the Union's friendly, relaxed atmosphere – and by the cooking, which is both seasonal, current and fresh. And with a centuries-old rough-hewn interior, this former pub charms with its plank floors, exposed brick and timbers, open fireplaces and simple furnishings. Sharing plates of escalating size signal informality, too, and the oft-changing repertoire (strongly focused on local produce) encourages regular return visits. Dishes are flavour-driven – a mash-up of eclectic global flavours along the lines of wild sea bass with pak choi, cuttlefish and a rich sobrasada sauce. As for drinks, we’ve heard good things about the blood orange Margarita, and the short wine list has been carefully chosen. Everything is offered by the glass or bottle, so it’s tempting to experiment, though the very decent house selection is a perfectly good choice.

 

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J Wilmoth

20 April 2026

Exceptional quality, from service to locally sourced ingredients and even local wines. Fair value for an excellent proposition, food to die for.

S Pascoe

19 April 2026

It’s located in a beautiful 15th century building in the centre of Rye. The menu options are inventive, appealing - small plates, large plates and a feasting menu. The staff are lovely - helpful and knowledgeable. A go...
It’s located in a beautiful 15th century building in the centre of Rye. The menu options are inventive, appealing - small plates, large plates and a feasting menu. The staff are lovely - helpful and knowledgeable. A good choice of vegetarian options. Everything was perfectly cooked and the portions were generous. Delicious puddings from a small range. A relaxed atmosphere for such a high standard of cooking. We were an intergenerational group of 5 and unanimously loved it. We enjoyed our glass...
It’s located in a beautiful 15th century building in the centre of Rye. The menu options are inventive, appealing - small plates, large plates and a feasting menu. The staff are lovely - helpful and knowledgeable. A good choice of vegetarian options. Everything was perfectly cooked and the portions were generous. Delicious puddings from a small range. A relaxed atmosphere for such a high standard of cooking. We were an intergenerational group of 5 and unanimously loved it. We enjoyed our glasses of wine. The produce was locally sourced, and prices very reasonable. I don’t think any of us would have a suggestion for improvement. For us all, we look forward to returning.
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B Brady

19 April 2026

The food, both delicious and a sense of curiosity, is so elegantly presented with a wine list that is complimentary and cocktails of note. The welcome from the jolly staff is top rated and all in all this quirky unusual space presents a comfortable and yet sophisticated environment to have a fun dining experience.

V Browne

18 April 2026

The most incredible dishes. Light plates with fantastic flavours. We went for the set menu which was very good value. Will definitely come here again. The service was equally suberb.

L VANWAETERMEULEN

18 April 2026

Our experience in this restaurant was a 10 out of 10. The atmosphere was extremely cozy, the service impeccable and the food amazing. The ingredients are sourced locally and cooked perfectly. The menu is unique and all of our plates were delicious. This made our day in Rye even more memorable.

K Bamber

15 April 2026

Easily the best food in Sussex (and beyond). The restaurant is in a beautiful building, an inviting and comfortable setting on a quiet street in the centre of town. The menu always feels current, seasonal and fresh, and the staff super knowledgable, about the menu and the wine. All in all, a relaxed atmosphere with 10/10 food and cocktails.

M Hab

13 April 2026

The staff are incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable and kind, sorry and very attentive. I value this as I think this is a lost art of service. And then, the food. Wow wow wow. I thought I was eater with a certain palette. However, I’d encountered the caramel butter and sourdough, haggott with crackling edges and more. When our server suggested dessert I was jealous as I knew it was magnificent, however my stomach was being my enemy. I am still thinking about the dessert I didn’t have :(.

S Matthews

11 April 2026

Incredible food. Everything tasted fantastic. We had haddock skewers for starters, scallops, sea bass and hogget for main and 2 doeserts! Could not fault the food. Good atmosphere and reasonable prices. Lovely service. Big plus we got to bring our dog.

L Pemberton

31 March 2026

Each dish is full of flavour and local provenance is clearly a priority in these well curated works of culinary art. I dined here alone and could not have been better looked after and made to feel extremely welcome, the service is unfussy and the restaurant itself is warm, welcoming and unpretentious. A delight of a local restaurant!

A Bayard

18 March 2026

The union brings so much joy to dining. The menu is always changing which means every visit can be completely different. The standard of food is exceptional; it’s local and always what’s in season. This gives it the menu such breadth and the kitchen clearly have in-depth understanding of making exceptional dishes, taking inspiration from all over the world, while staying true to the produce. I must have visited more than 10 times and everytime has been different, and every time exceptional.

VENUE DETAILS

East Street
Rye
East Sussex
TN31 7JYGB

01797 229289

View opening times

Make a reservation

OTHER INFORMATION

Private dining room, Family friendly, Dog friendly, Credit card required

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