Local’s favourite the Standard is set to reopen soon. After a year and a half hiatus (briefly interrupted by a stint at the gnarled hands of a snarling, swamp-green, agency landlord and his TV) the beautifully restored Standard will welcome it’s regulars again.
Scott Brotherton, building owner and restorer, invited me for a sneak preview, and the place is refreshed, clean and spacious. It looks “how it should look”. Changes include a slight relocation of the bar, newly exposed ancient carved graffiti, a new floor, expansion of the patio and most importantly the ladies “powder room” is now inside! Sorry men, the gent’s is still outside. A unique “The Standard” ale is currently being created.
What was accommodation above the pub has been transformed into five en-suite rooms, as the Standard will once again serve as a B&B. The decor is bright and clean, with ornate French antique beds and exposed beams in keeping with the olde worlde look of the Mint.
Scott hails from Appledore and after beginning his working life as a hot air balloon pilot, he is now a career builder, building homes from scratch. The Standard is his first restoration job, and it’s been done beautifully. Local Simon Spencer will be running the bar, and wants a relaxed atmosphere, with a bar food style menu.
Scott and Simon are working together to create a welcoming, quality pub. A sort of “middle ground”. Not too high end or pricey, just nicely done. Like most people in Rye, the Standard has been a part of both of their lives for a long time, and they seem to genuinely care more about what the pub will be to its regulars, and getting the place just right, then making a financial return at this point.
Scott says he wants it to be “the place in Rye that people come to for a drink, and end up staying at”. I can’t see it being any other way!
Photo by Tony McLaughlin