In January of last year Rye News confirmed that after many years in the same family ownership, the Rye Lodge Hotel had changed hands, acquired by Alex and Katie Clarke, owners of the George Hotel. There were mixed feelings about this acquisition, many locals don’t like change, the fear being that a traditional hotel would become unrecognisable.
The truth is that although the previous owners had invested in the business and the building it still looked tired and old fashioned and something had to change. The hotel is very well situated, a short walk from the High Street, with easy access to the station, plenty of parking and unusually, a large outdoor entertaining space. The beauty of this hotel is its location, on high ground and with some of the best views in Rye but there was always something missing, somewhere to take advantage of the views whilst relaxing with a glass of something.
Previously, steps led you down from the pavement to a sunken paved terrace with a few pots, brollies and furniture, all of which its fair to say had seen better days, not particularly inspiring and not very practical. By sitting below the pavement the opportunity to take advantage of the fine views was lost, the steps were not for the faint hearted and the whole area was a missed opportunity.
Now, after such a short period of time the hotel has benefited hugely from an injection of capital, and recently the addition of The deck.
Gone are the slippery paving slabs and crumbling pots, sorry looking furniture and sun umbrellas, replaced with a resplendent raised sun deck which has added a whole new look and dimension to the outside space. Accessible from street level, the space is now easy to get to and provides a large seasonal alfresco entertaining space with smart new furniture, matching umbrellas and galvanised planters with plants and shrubs.
What a transformation and what a lovely place to sit and enjoy a morning coffee, dinner perhaps or an alfresco snack. The Deck has hosted a light and summery menu with its new restaurant experience, showcasing local produce and Rye bay seafood in a Mediterranean style with tapas, fresh local vegetables, meats and cheeses.
Rye Lodge Hotel is now firmly on the map once more, The Deck is a sympathetic transformation and for those who fear change you have no cause to be concerned. Take a look (weather permitting) and try a glass of something whilst admiring the view or enjoy your paper with a coffee. Call 01797 223838 or email thedeck@ryelodge.co.uk for further information.
Image Credits: Nick Forman .