The Union is a cosy modern British restaurant in Rye with a rather interesting history - the building was originally built in 1401, before being christened The Union Inn in the early 1700s to commemorate the union between England and Scotland.
Today, the dining room here is a relaxed and rustic space, featuring exposed brick, open fireplaces and calming blue walls. The menu at The Union is a standard a la carte which is underpinned by British produce and evolves with the seasons depending on what produce is available locally.
The menu changes daily, but to give an idea, starters and nibbles at the time of writing include homemade pickles, smoked nuts and Colchester Rock oysters, available individually or by the half dozen. The rest of the menu is delivered as a series of sharing plates, featuring the best of local, seasonal produce. Dishes include ham knuckle croquettes with aioli, mackerel with chilli, chocolate and crispy cavolo nero, and seared scallops with crumpet, dulse seaweed and 'nduja butter. The Union does some cracking sharing dishes too, like a Megrim sole with brown crab butter, and a Winchelsea chateaubriand with bearnaise sauce.
To pad out your dinner, add on your choice of side dishes such as crispy layered potatoes, sourdough from nearby Lazy Bakery, and cavolo nero with yoghurt and caraway.
The Union puts equal effort into puddings too, with desserts including a Baked Alaska with pear and coffee ice cream, and buttermilk pudding with rhubarb and ginger sponge. Or, turn your attention to the drinks list and enjoy liquid afters courtesy of the restaurant’s globally inspired wine list.