the swan, tenterden
The Chapel Down Winery
The two paw rating is purely on the basis that dogs are only able to enjoy the Swan from the outside terrace. It's a shame as the inside is lovely! Having said that, the views across the Chapel Down vineyards are also something to behold.
Chic, contemporary and comfortable, it's a fabulous restaurant to settle down to some seriously good british food. It serves delicious home made cakes, light lunches, small plates and savouries throughout the day, with a tasty a la carte menu in the evening. All of the ingredients are supplied within a 25 mile radius of Chapel Down vineyard.
the ship, rye
The Strand
The Ship is a great place for lunch or supper. Shabby chic in style with food that prides itself in being locally sourced, seasonal and sustainable.
It's not about fancy food, but authentic and honest offerings. Find dishes that are right at home in a pub with some more adventerous specials. So expect the usual favourites such as a Ploughmans with home-made porkpie and piccalilli, potted shrimps, breaded local cod with chips & smashed peas, the house burger – as well as dishes like pork, chipotle and black bean stew, skate wing, ricotta stuffed courgettes, rabbit & lentil broth etc.
fletcher's house, rye
2 Lion Street
This is a favourite for a perfect lunch or afternoon tea if you're looking for tasty homemade fayre at a reasonable price. Dogs are made very welcome in the restaurant and on the back terrace. A must have is the homemade soup and savoury scone... it can't be beaten!
You'll find Fletcher's House right in front of St Mary's Church in the Citadel of Rye.It was once home to Jacobean playwright John Fletcher.
Pete and Lee who started Fletchers in 2007 have done a great job of carrying on the tradition of the art of the tea room as there's been one on this site since 1932.
the george, rye
98 High Street
The only reason Basil hasn't given The George Hotel three of his paws is that he doesn't have free reign across the whole hotel! Dogs are welcome in the bar area and the front cosy lounge (perfect for a drink after dinner or an afternoon tea during the day). You can eat off the restaurant menu in the bar area so nothing is lost on the culinary front!
The bar is open for all day dining, serving a modern European menu focussing on local meats, vegetables and fish from Rye Bay.
You'll find a large range of wine by the glass, including those from vineyards nearby in East Sussex and Kent.
edith's house, rye
105a High Street
A real favourite for gorgeous homemade cakes, scones, lunches and great coffee! The resident dog, Roux, is always attentive and very laid back when dog visitors settle in to this shabby chic gem.
Michael and Eaton are Roux's owners and always make you feel right at home. Log on to the wi-fi, grab the papers or just sit back and enjoy the wonders of the kitchen!
Check out Edith's House on Facebook
the ferry inn, oxney
Oxney
This buzzy, vibrant pub dates back to the seventeenth century and was the home of the ferry between the Isle-of-Oxney and the English mainland at Appledore. It's only 6 miles away from Camber Sands.
The Head Chef is Dominic Knight, formerly of the Savoy, serves up the best locally sourced meat, fish and game and all food is prepared to order.
Dogs, children, friends and family are all welcome in this very friendly pub. A real find for a late and lazy Sunday lunch as food is served througout the afternoon.
union steakhouse
Rye
A real Basil favourite as he is always made so very welcome in the Union Steakhouse. A simple straightforward menu specialising in great steak and fish dishes.
Lovely interior that's simple and stylish. The service is great and nothing is too much trouble.
Make sure you head there with a hearty appetite as there's always plenty to tempt you particularly if you're in the mood for a first class steak.
Open for lunch and dinner just off the High Street in Rye.
the gallivant
Camber
How Basil would love to give the Gallivant three of his paws but alas, he isn't allowed in to the main restaurant and can only come along if sitting at the tables outside, weather permitting. It's just such a shame as this is a gem, only five minutes walk from Samphire.
The Gallivant is a chic laidback (dog friendly in the rooms!) hotel with a super restaurant. Local produce is the order of the day with a good range of imaginative and tasty dishes to choose from.
It does get busy most of the year round so it's worth booking ahead. The hotel is also a popular venue for weddings, so again, phone ahead if you fancy a meal there.
snack shack
Dungeness
A real favourite for a weekend treat down at Dungeness (opening hours Thursday - Sunday 11am-4pm). No airs and graces, just the freshest fish you can find - coming off the boats, up the beach and then cooked in front of you. What's on the menu is what comes in on the catch of the day. Fish and lobster are deliciously seasoned, garnished and wrapped in flatbread or a bap.
All the fish is caught by the family's own boats - the Annalousion & the Doreen, fishing from the beach at Dungeness. The ethos of this venture is to sell local fish in a tasty unpretentious way with a strong emphasis on sustainability and traceability. And if you want to treat yourself at home and fancy doing some cooking yourself, the family's fish shop is right next door!
