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A Pocket Full of Rye

Words and illustrations by Mel Elliott


It's charming, it's quaint, they have cobbles to clumsily walk on and scallops to devour but how is the shopping in this beautiful historic town? Well it's pretty darn good actually!


Whether you're kitting yourself out from head to toe, grabbing your next holiday read, furnishing your home or buying a gift for a loved one, Rye has all the bases covered. Rye's shopping district is small yet perfectly formed and is packed with stylishly and carefully curated independent shops.


I spent three days wandering around the streets of Rye for this guide, chatting with friendly shop-keepers, oohing and aahing at all the things I would love to come back and buy... and that will definitely happen when I allow myself the time and the money.


The train from Hastings takes just 19 minutes and there are a few car parks scattered about for those who'd prefer the half hour drive. You can even cycle there in 1 hour 20 minutes according to Google!


There are many food options for hungry shoppers, from quick and inexpensive light bites to full on gastro pub feasts.


I was recommended The White House, The George Inn and Fig, and just along the main road there's also The Globe Inn where I have eaten at several times and thoroughly enjoyed.


Here are a few shops to give you a flavour of what the cobbled streets of Rye have in store.




THROUGH YOUR WARDROBE


This preloved clothing shop is so well curated and presented that it looks and feels as though everything is brand new.


With dresses by Vampire's Wife and handbags by Chanel but with lots of much more down-to-earth pieces too, including jumpers, suits, bags, coats, shoes and other accessories too. All excellent quality, perfect condition and beautifully presented. If you like style as much as you like sustainability, you'll love Through Your Wardrobe.


15 High Street, Rye

105a High Street, Rye

13 Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells


SIMPLY RYE


Simply Rye is an independent,  family-run gift shop in the center of Rye, selling a range of hand-picked gifts, clothing, accessories and homewares. Pop in to see them in their shop or online.


7B Market Road




 PUCKHABER


Puckhaber is an established family business with over 50 years combined experience in the decorative antiques trade, with shops in London and Rye. Their Rye shop is situated at the top of the high street and benefits from being a large open space with plenty of natural light. The shop features a carefully curated selection of decorative antique furniture, affordable art, homewares, lifestyle, and more.


1 High Street



EDDIE FRANKS


Eddie Franks stock a curated mix of casual, street and modern workwear from Carhartt WIP, Brixton, Volcom, Deus Ex Machina and more – plus laid-back footwear and quality accessories to finish the look.


13 High Street



SAILORS


Launched in 2020, Sailors is a concept store bringing you unisex clothing, sustainable homeware, signed books and regular conversations with authors.


97 High Street



HUNTER JONES


Opened in 2018, Hunter Jones is the kind of lifestyle store you wander into and don’t want to leave. Its thoughtfully curated shelves feature an array of niche fragrance, skincare, textiles, ceramics, accessories and jewellery, alongside their own range of home fragrance. With brands including Dulcie and Maison Louis Marie sitting alongside Le Bon Shoppe and Studio Arhoj, it’s a great store for gifts and you’ll most likely leave with something for yourself too!


3 Market Road



ETHEL LOVES ME


Ethel Loves Me endeavours to support local makers in bringing their products to market, they also showcase students and emerging talent and even collaborate with Hastings College and its popular Designer Maker course. Displaying a diverse mix of art, craft, curios, lifestyle and unique, Ethel Loves Me is part gallery, part gift shop and 100% upbeat.


105 High Street



RAE


Rae combines vintage and high quality collections of homewares. Inspired from their travels, with a laid back Mediterranean Gypset aesthetic. They love natural materials with traditional craftsmanship across their styles. Known for their Vintage Moroccan rugs and hand woven cushions, mixed with vintage pottery and artisan made lampshades & homewares. Rae are also known for their signature coffee counter, serving take-away drinks daily alongside the shop.


77A The Mint



McCULLY & CRANE

For Marcus Crane and Gareth McCully, an escape to the countryside has meant an opportunity to forge their creative skills and eclectic eye into a wonderful haven now known to art and interior lovers as McCully & Crane.


Situated in a 19th-century merchant’s warehouse on Cinque Ports Street in the beautifully picturesque old town of Rye, they established their business over 17 years ago, creating one of the most vibrant and unique art galleries in East Sussex.


27 Cinque Ports St



BIRD & BLEND TEA CO.


Bird & Blend Tea Co. exist to spread happiness and re-imagine tea, one cup at a time. With over 100 creative blends, all hand-blended in the UK, there’s something to surprise and delight every taste. As proud B Corp tea blenders, sustainability and community are at their  heart. Bird and Blend’s wonderful team can’t wait to welcome you in and help you discover your perfect brew.

106 High street



THE GREEN HOUSE


The Green House occupies a carefully curated space within a sensitively restored building dating back to 1478 within the ancient citadel.


The emphasis of the store is to give customers an inspirational and relaxed retail experience with its unique mix of vintage and antique items alongside exotic tropical plants and accessories. These include a large range of pots and planters as well as top brands including Haws watering cans, WXY scented candles and even Edward Bulmer natural paints.


40 The Mint



W J BENNETT


WJ Bennett has delivered quality menswear since 1919. Showcasing premium British and European brands, we offer everything from sharp tailoring and statement shirts to luxury casualwear.

Whether you’re dressing for an occasion or elevating your everyday style, our expert team provides personalised service and timeless, independent luxury.


99 High Street



MR TODS


It’s hard to feel grumpy when you walk into the fun gift and homeware emporium that is Mr Tod’s. Situated in Rye’s popular Quay district, it’s a shop that POPS! With bright and fun things for your home, from colourful crockery, vases and ornaments to cushions, clocks, candles and even 3 foot gnomes for your garden!


Warehouse No 5, Strand Quay

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