Overview
Kent winery Balfour Hospitality have beathed new life
into the atmospheric Ship Inn set beside the quay at the bottom of
cobbled Mermaid Street in the attractive coastal town of
Rye.
They have spruced up the 16th-century smuggler's warehouse,
giving the rustic-chic bar and rambling dining rooms a lick of
paint and smartening up the 11 simple, boutique-style bedrooms
(dogs welcome), which ramble across two floors with views across
the river and town.
The bar is all ancient timbers, flagstone, blazing fires, cosy
nooks and quirky décor - old leather sofas, warm hues, candles and
jugs of fresh flowers - so grab one of the rustic tables and peruse
the papers over a pint of Harvey's Sussex, or sup Jake's cider, or
a decent glass of Balfour Rose.
Stroll up Mermaid Street to find the hilltop church and climb
the tower for far-reaching coast and marsh views, and don't miss
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and a walk along stunning Camber Sands.
If you love the Balfour fizz, be sure to visit the state-of-the-art
Winery on the Hush Heath Estate in Kent for tours and tastings.