Found right in the heart of the citadel, The Standard Inn is a much-loved gastropub in Rye which serves a menu of contemporary pub grub that makes the most of the area’s abundant local produce - think fish caught and delivered daily from Rye Harbour, plus Romney Marsh Lamb and Winchelsea beef.
The pub’s interiors are cosy and traditional, featuring gorgeous wooden beans and open fireplaces, with much of the space dating back to the 15th century. The a la carte is split into the traditional three-course format, along with a section dedicated to The Standard classics, which include traditional fish and chips served alongside crushed peas and tartare sauce, as well as a pie of the day.
To start, tuck into the likes of Korean glazed chicken wings paired with a cooling dip or grilled scallops slathered in herb butter. For your main course, choose between dishes such as Romney Marsh lamb rump with hasselback potatoes, local greens and salsa verde or go vegetarian with whole-roasted aubergine, Greek yoghurt, rose harissa, herby couscous and red onion. To round off your meal, order a pudding from a short but well considered menu of sweet treats - think a hot chocolate doughnut with salted caramel ice cream or a pavlova topped with Chantilly cream and seasonal fruit.
Families are welcome too, with little ones able to tuck into child-friendly dishes such as mini fish and chips, a beef burger with fries and a flatbread margherita pizza. All children’s dishes are served with a side of carrot sticks, plus a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
If you are worried that the pub element has been lost among the menu of modern dishes, fear not - The Standard Inn offers a respectable wine list, alongside a wide range of craft beers and local ales, including its own Standard Inn Farmer Ale.