BRITAIN’S GOT GREAT FOOD!

Final Prize Options

Option 2 – London & South East

Enjoy a 2-night stay at The George in Rye www.thegeorgeinrye.com. Located in the centre of Rye, East Sussex, the hotel was recently renovated to create one of the most stunning hideaways on the south coast. The building dates from 1575 and has an enviable heritage; it even has an original Georgian ballroom once used for lavish weddings and banquets. An eclectic and contemporary design has been given to this historic building, using a wide range of antique and modern furniture, materials and local art. The result is a comfortable blend of old and new, creating an atmosphere which is relaxed, informal and individual.

Rye itself is unlike any other town in England. A medieval townscape locked in time and with a fascinating history, it offers a great escape for relaxation or romance. Just four miles from the white beaches of Camber Sands, the sea air is wonderful at any time of year.

Saturday: after breakfast at the hotel, travel to Chapel Down Winery http://www.englishwinesgroup.co.uk), England’s leading wine producer.  Take a private tour of the vineyard & winery, during which your experienced guide will explain about the history of English Wine, the methods used in the vineyards and the reasons behind the choice of grapes grown and used. The tour continues in the Winery itself where you will learn about the processes behind the production of their still and sparkling wines. To complete the experience all Guided Tours include a tasting of a selection of their award winning-wines. Follow this with lunch in the Winery Bistro from a menu created and led by chef Richard Phillips.

After that, squeeze in a visit to the charming Charleston Farmhouse at Firle, which was the heart of the arty Bloomsbury Set in the 1920’s, and now is home to a huge collection of paintings and lithographs including works by Grant, Bell, Roger Fry, Picasso, Derain, Walter Sickert, Nina Hamnett and Keith Baynes. Or perhaps the Ditchling Museum
(www.ditchling-museum.com) will tempt you. Explore its exhibits which record the village’s remarkable  heritage and association with English artists, followed by afternoon tea in the tearoom.  The Brighton Royal Pavilion is not to be missed (www.royalpavilion.org.uk), or perhaps Bodiam Castle (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-bodiamcastle), one of Britain's most famous and evocative castles.  Fancy taking a seat by a window and watching the world go by?  Then take a trip on the biggest little railway in the world – The Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, one of the last remaining, narrow-gauge railways in the country http://www.rhdr.org.uk/rhdr/home_flash.html. Running from the attractive Cinque Port of Hythe to the lighthouses at Dungeness, this makes a lovely way to spend the afternoon.

Return to the George in Rye for the evening and enjoy a delicious meal in their restaurant.  The Head Chef, Rod Grossmann previously worked at the restaurant Moro in London. Rod's menu has Mediterranean influences and food is presented simply with slavish respect for fresh and seasonal ingredients, sourced from the local farms around Rye, Sussex and Kent. Much of the fish and seafood is freshly caught by the trawlers of Rye Bay. The bar offers a large range of wine by the glass, including those from the vineyard you visited earlier!

Sunday; after breakfast why not visit the beautiful seaside town of Lewes.  Walk along the picturesque High Street and visit two particular highlights.  Firstly Bill’s Produce Store, a unique café and shop specialising in fresh organic fruit and vegetables, flowers, plants and a mind boggling array of goodies in an amazing deli section. And secondly Bonne Bouche Chocolates, where you will be tempted by hand made, top quality chocolates.