The George Grill in Rother

We were staying at the Mermaid having baulked at the prices at The George but thought we would go for a meal. In spite of its Georgian reputation, the restaurant ( possibly because of the fire) is relatively utilitarian and frankly not very cosy. The modern art on the wall ( I like a lot of modern art) was rather grim! We both felt the meals were small! The mussels ( large) was small and didn’t even include a slice of bread. The prawns ( large) included 5 and one bread slice! We had to ask for finger bowls after the food had arrived. The cheeseboard was Ok but nothing special. The waiting staff were lovely but the hotel manager rather strutted about without engaging customers. We feel there is better food in a nicer setting to be had in Rye.

Went for a light lunch but ended up having a drink and a few snacks from a very limited bar menu. On a previous visit to The George about a year ago we were surprised what a limited menu such an impressive establishment has and we were clearly told this visit 'we don't do sandwiches'! So not much has changed in a year.

The hotel looks "quality". We popped in for drinks outside in the evening sun on the lovely patio. But none of the tables had been cleared of plates and glasses and nobody came to clear them all the time we were there, 30 minutes. I counted 80 dirty glasses and new arrivals had to clear their own tables before sitting down. Very disappointing. Such a shame to not get the basics right.

Myself and my two friends had dinner on Sunday - the food was alright, the chorizo starter could be warmer (it was almost cold). Burger bun completely fell apart, I had to eat the burger with a knife and fork.. After we finished our meal we went to the garden to have espresso martinis before we made our way back to London. Unfortunately, the waiter spilled espresso martini all over me. Please, note I am wearing hearing aids and the drink ended up on my upper arm - very close to the device. This was a very scary situation as those are not cheap! The manager did offer to pay for the dry cleaning, which was a poor choice of compensation as my dress was not fancy. I did ask for the refund for my part of the bill and was shocked by the reaction from the Manager - I was shouted at and told I will get nothing at all! I even had to ask to get the drink that was spilled, as the manager turned his back on me and left. To top it all off, I went to the toilet to wash the espresso martini off my arms and there was no soap in the toilet! I ended up with sticky arms and legs on the train back. The manager's behaviour was shocking. I work in the hospitality industry myself and I understand these things happen - that's why I am not complaining about the waiter who must have been traumatised after this situation.

My friend and I had lunch here whilst visiting Rye for the weekend. My friend had reserved a table and so glad she did as it was full! We got there a bit earlier than our booking but the front of house was so accommodating and said he could seat us earlier. We had a fab table right by the window. Fabulous Ruyman served us, he was attentive, cheerful, very knowledgeable about the menu and wine list. They had sold out of my preferred New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and allowed me to sample another wine. Ruyman chatted with ease to all the customers in our vicinity whilst paying attention to any requests. I chose the burger & chips. The chips were the tastiest chips I’ve ever eaten so fluffy and light. My friend had the mussels and chips. We had a lovely time and next time we’re in Rye we will definitely be back! Thank you Ruyman & team x

I really wanted the reviews to be wrong, but sadly not the case. The menu was a non event. The steaks are either a 10 oz ribeye or 25oz sirloin, nothing smaller. For dessert, a choice of three and totally lacking in creativity. The steaks arrived with a green oily substance around them, which added an additional layer of grease to the dish. All served with nicely cooked chips but too salty. The service was speedy to get a fast turnaround, so not a relaxing experience. The bill was the highest for our 4 nights stay in Rye, and the quality was the lowest. Not value for money nor the experience we were hoping for

We were booked in for a "sparkling "afternoon tea. We were informed when we booked that they do not do afternoon tea unless we had a voucher. We did have a voucher as it was purchased as a birthday gift for us. We arrived and had a choice of outside in the courtyard or inside, we chose inside. The waitress said we have your table ready and so we expected it to be laid for afternoon tea. it had 2 large china mugs and two beer glasses. I was expecting perhaps vintage crockery or at least the table to have a cloth rather then the customary pub table. We were not offered any fizz , so we asked for some. They said the tea would be brought shortly. It took a while but we thought at least it would be freshly made. It came on a 3 tier cake stand. we had no plates to eat from, they were bought later. The tea consisted of 2 sandwiches each , salmon in two and beetroot and cucumber in the other two. The bread was so dry on the beetroot ones it was more like toast, so i thought i would just eat the filling but when i opened up the sandwich there was no filling to take out just a smear of pink juice on the bread. it was disgusting and not at all appetising. The scones were warm and tasted fresh but there was co cream as apparently the kitchen had run out. So they offered us some butter so that we could spread the jam. A real disappointment !!!!!!! The selection of "cakes" which were just tiny individual frozen items you could access in any supermarket. No chance of any home baking at this establishment, They say they don't do afternoon tea, and I am not surprised judging by our experience. This was certainly not the experience we were hoping for. We have no idea the cost of our voucher , it certainly wasn't worth more then a tenner for the two of us. Overall the whole experience was very disappointing

The George is back to the good old days! First time back after the tragic fire and what a return. Amazing staff , polite , caring , knowledgeable, attentive without being intrusive. The food was spectacular, cooked to perfection. The stake was probably the best I ever eat, my wife had the fish & chips that was sublime. Very well priced meal we will definitely be back.

Lunch at The George - grand name, but failed to deliver. Dry, overcooked, really boring burger for £17, tiny starter portion sea bass with tasty veg for £26. Staff attentive and friendly, but the soiled smart waistcoat doesn't really cut it. Totally pretentious and disappointing, would not recommend at all!