The Union

4.8

1162 Reviews

£26 to £40

Contemporary British

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2 people

5 Mar 2025

19:00

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At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Booked 9 times today

Good for special occasions
Charming
Neighbourhood gem

The Union is a contemporary restaurant and bar set in a beautiful 15th century building in the heart of Rye. Our menu is made up of small and large plates which we recommend sharing across the table. Our team will be on hand to guide you through your visit.

Our food is guided by the seasons and our menu is ingredient led so changes based on what we have available to us. We primarily use British produce and work with local suppliers to ensure we always source the very best ingredients we can get our hands on.

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Private dining

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
£26 to £40
Cuisines
Contemporary British, Modern European, Wine Bar
Hours of Operation
Lunch Mon, Tue, Fri–Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
01797 229289
Website
https://www.theunionrye.co.uk/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Mariana Cogo

Location
8 East Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7JY
Area
Rye
Cross Street
High Street, Rye
Parking details
Street parking is available on our road (East Street), as well as anywhere along the High Street (within easy walking distance to us). A 2hr stay costs 80p and parking tickets are available from a machine or via the RingGo app. Parking fares apply Mon-Sun 9am-6pm.
Public transit
We are situated 5 minutes walk from Rye train station and bus stops servicing the local area.
Additional
Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Vegan

Charles Palmer, Winchelsea, East Sussex£66.00
Sparkling Blancs de Blancs 2017
Charles Palmer, Winchelsea, East Sussex£55.00
Demi-Sec 2016
Charles Palmer, Winchelsea, East Sussex£48.00
Rosé 2018
Charles Palmer, Winchelsea, East Sussex£48.00
Chardonnay 2019
Charles Palmer, Winchelsea, East Sussex£50.00
Pinot Noir 2019
Tillingham, Peasmarsh, East Sussex£58.00
Rosé 2021
Tillingham, Peasmarsh, East Sussex£58.00
R 2023
Tillingham, Peasmarsh, East Sussex£48.00
Field Blend Two 2021 500ml
Tillingham, Peasmarsh, East Sussex£60.00
Rotwein 2022
Oxney Estate, Beckley, East Sussex£65.00
Sparkling Brut NV
Oxney Estate, Beckley, East Sussex£68.00
Sparkling Rosé NV
Oxney Estate, Beckley, East Sussex£65.00
River Cottage Sparkling NV
Gros Canon Wines, Hamstreet, East Sussex£65.00
Virement de Bord Pet Nat 2023
Gusbourne, Appledore, Kent£75.00
Sparkling Brut Reserve 2018
Gusbourne, Appledore, Kent£78.00
Sparkling Rosé 2019
Gusbourne, Appledore, Kent£80.00
Sparkling Blancs de Blancs 2018
Walgate Wines, Rye, East Sussex£70.00
Pinot Noir 2023
Walgate Wines, Rye, East Sussex£70.00
Chardonnay 2023
Ham Street Wines, Hamstreet, Kent£48.00
Pet Nat 2023
Ham Street Wines, Hamstreet, Kent£48.00
Field Blend 2022
Westwell, Charing, Kent£66.00
Pelegrim, Sparkling NV
Westwell, Charing, Kent£55.00
Naturally Petulant Pink 2021
Westwell, Charing, Kent£55.00
Ortega Skin Contact 2022
Davenport Vineyards, Rotherfield, East Sussex£50.00
Horsmonden White 2022
Davenport Vineyards, Rotherfield, East Sussex£55.00
Diamond Fields Pinot Noir 2022

Wales

organic & biodynamic certification

Ancre Hills, Monmouth£75.00
Blanc de Noirs, Sparkling NV
Ancre Hills, Monmouth£60.00
Pefriog 2018
Ancre Hills, Monmouth£60.00
Pinot Noir 2020
Ancre Hills, Monmouth£58.00
Orange 2021

Rest of the world

AA Bellenda, Prosecco di Conegliano Valdobbiadene Spumante, 2022, Italy£48.00
Sparkling
Maison Huguenot-Tassin, Signature Brut NV, Champagne, France£93.00
Pinot Noir
Reverte, Abrazos 2022, Navarra, Spain£37.00
Garnacha
Bergaglio Cinzia, Gavi la Fornace 2023, Piedmont, Italy£42.00
Cortese
Bodega Mengoba, Bierzo Brezo Blanco 2022, Galicia, Spain£43.00
Godello
Guy Allion, Sauvignon Blanc Touraine 2023, France£46.00
Sauvignon
AA Arndorfer, Vorgeschmack 2023, Kamptal, Austria£47.00
Grüner Veltliner & Riesling
Sokol Blosser, Evolution Lucky No 9 2021, Oregon, USA£52.00
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Semillon, Sauvignon
Domaine Gerard Tremblay, Petit Chablis 2023, Bourgogne, France£53.00
Chardonnay
A Los Vinateros Bravos, Arbol Arriba Torontel 2022, Itata, Chile£53.00
Torontel
Domaine Ogereau, L'Enjouée Blanc 2022, France£56.00
Chenin
Domaine Pelle, Menetou-Salon les Morogues 2022, Loire Valley France£62.00
Sauvignon
Aline Beaune Montagny 1er Cru 2018, France£90.00
Chardonnay
Cantina Rallo, Maremossa Bianco 2022, Sicily, Italy£43.00
Catarrato
Vinho de Talha, Bojador Branco Espaco Rural 2021, Alentejo, Portugal£66.00
Roupeiro
Chateau Ollieux-Romanis, Corbieres Rose 2023, Languedoc, France£41.00
Carignan
Hacienda Grimon, Rioja Crianza 2021, D.O, Rioja, Spain£43.00
Tempranillo, Garnacha & Graciano
Finca Casa Balaguer, Tomatierra 2021, Alicante, Spain£44.00
Cabernet Franc
Ferme Saint-Martin, Côtes du Rhône Romanins, 2023, Rhone Valley, Fra.£44.00
Grenache, Syrah & Cinsault
Domaine Sebastien David, L'Huluberlu 2023, Loire Valley, France£46.00
Cabernet Franc
Guy Allion, Pinot Noir Touraine 2022, France£48.00
Pinot Noir
Domaine Ogereau, L'Enjouée Rouge 2023, France£49.00
Cabernet Franc, Grolleau, Pineau D'aunis, Gamay
Bodegas 40/40, Cuarenta 2022, Mendoza, Argentina£51.00
Malbec
Domaine Des 4 Vents, Alizes 2020, Bordeaux, France£50.00
Merlot, Cabernet Franc
La Biancara, Masieri Rosso 2022, Gambellara, Italy£55.00
Merlot, Tai Rosso
Domaine Roblet-Monnot, Des Lyres Passe-tout-Grains 2022, France£56.00
Pinot Noir, Gamay
I Parieti, Tattarranne 2021, IGT Puglia, Italy£62.00
Primitivo

Our last few bottles

Casa Finca Balaguer, Salicornio 2022, Alicante, Spain£45.00
Moscatel
Alex Craighead, Kindeli Bianco 2020, New Zealand£47.00
Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
Gilvesy Varadi, 2018, Balatoni, Hungary£56.00
Furmint

What 1,162 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Energetic

Diners' Choice Awards

East Sussex
Best Overall
East Sussex
Best Food
East Sussex
Best Service
East Sussex
Best Value
East Sussex
Healthy
East Sussex
Great for fine wines
East Sussex
Romantic
East Sussex
Good for special occasions
East Sussex
Vegetarian-friendly
East Sussex
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Union in Rye is celebrated for its "delicious food" and "excellent service," making it a standout dining destination. Guests rave about its "relaxed atmosphere," friendly staff, and "impeccable service." The menu features creative, well-sourced dishes like "amazing mackerel" and "incredible cocktails." A must-visit for food enthusiasts!

1,162 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Dinner was excellent. A varied and interesting range of choices on the menu. It worked really well sharing all the plates to enjoy all the different flavours. The staff were very helpful guiding our choices and sequencing the arrival of the dishes. The whole experience was great.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Really friendly - excellent food locally sourced and deliciously prepared and presented
Is this helpful?
R
Robert
VIP
London
47 reviews
3.0
47 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Good food but tiny portions leaving me hungry. Also why no fries?
Is this helpful?
L
Lucy
London
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 23 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a lovely evening here celebrating my partners birthday. Service was brilliant - warm, friendly and effecient. Delicious food and wine and fair prices for quality. Would recommend
Is this helpful?
E
Eva
VIP
London
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on 20 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food and service never fails - from a Rye resident!
Is this helpful?
F
Francis
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 10 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food, great service, relaxed atmosphere
Is this helpful?
S
Sally
London
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 9 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a delicious meal last night for my husband’s birthday. Good choice of dishes. Excellent service & makes such a change that staff know about the menu & wines. Lovely ambience & was quite busy for a Sunday night.
Is this helpful?
J
Josef
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 7 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had the mussels and whole mackerel with yummy sides and a local bottle of English white wine which was superb. Apperitifs, cheeses, puddings. All were clearly sourced and prepared with love. Service was friendly and atmosphere was convivial. Really couldn’t ask for more. A stand-out experience for us that we thoroughly enjoyed.
Is this helpful?
A
Amali
VIP
London
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 2 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Just always excellent. A regular favourite, delicious food, lovely environment, and friendly staff.
Is this helpful?
J
Jacqueline
London
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 1 February 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
The style of the Union is lovely and the service is good. However, it’s not the warmest place ( as in temp) regardless of the fires and radiators going full pelt. Equally I think they need to decide what sort of food they want to serve. My Salmon and pork belly were spoiled by liberal amounts of chilli and I don’t know why it was there. It’s not fusion and could have been better. Bit disappointed if I’m honest. Could be great!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Union is rated 4.8 stars by 1162 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

5 Mar 2025

19:00

Find next available

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Booked 9 times today

8 East Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7JY

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
High Street, Rye
Area
Rye
Hours of Operation
Lunch Mon, Tue, Fri–Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
Price
£26 to £40
Cuisines
Contemporary British, Modern European, Wine Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street parking is available on our road (East Street), as well as anywhere along the High Street (within easy walking distance to us). A 2hr stay costs 80p and parking tickets are available from a machine or via the RingGo app. Parking fares apply Mon-Sun 9am-6pm.
Public transit
We are situated 5 minutes walk from Rye train station and bus stops servicing the local area.
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Mariana Cogo
Additional
Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Vegan

Website
https://www.theunionrye.co.uk/
Phone number
01797 229289

The Union

Make a booking

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Dining areas

Additional information

England

Charles Palmer, Winchelsea, East Sussex£66.00

Charles Palmer, Winchelsea, East Sussex£55.00

Charles Palmer, Winchelsea, East Sussex£48.00

Charles Palmer, Winchelsea, East Sussex£48.00

Charles Palmer, Winchelsea, East Sussex£50.00

Tillingham, Peasmarsh, East Sussex£58.00

Tillingham, Peasmarsh, East Sussex£58.00

Tillingham, Peasmarsh, East Sussex£48.00

Tillingham, Peasmarsh, East Sussex£60.00

Oxney Estate, Beckley, East Sussex£65.00

Oxney Estate, Beckley, East Sussex£68.00

Oxney Estate, Beckley, East Sussex£65.00

Gros Canon Wines, Hamstreet, East Sussex£65.00

Gusbourne, Appledore, Kent£75.00

Gusbourne, Appledore, Kent£78.00

Gusbourne, Appledore, Kent£80.00

Walgate Wines, Rye, East Sussex£70.00

Walgate Wines, Rye, East Sussex£70.00

Ham Street Wines, Hamstreet, Kent£48.00

Ham Street Wines, Hamstreet, Kent£48.00

Westwell, Charing, Kent£66.00

Westwell, Charing, Kent£55.00

Westwell, Charing, Kent£55.00

Davenport Vineyards, Rotherfield, East Sussex£50.00

Davenport Vineyards, Rotherfield, East Sussex£55.00

Wales

Ancre Hills, Monmouth£75.00

Ancre Hills, Monmouth£60.00

Ancre Hills, Monmouth£60.00

Ancre Hills, Monmouth£58.00

Rest of the world

AA Bellenda, Prosecco di Conegliano Valdobbiadene Spumante, 2022, Italy£48.00

Maison Huguenot-Tassin, Signature Brut NV, Champagne, France£93.00

Reverte, Abrazos 2022, Navarra, Spain£37.00

Bergaglio Cinzia, Gavi la Fornace 2023, Piedmont, Italy£42.00

Bodega Mengoba, Bierzo Brezo Blanco 2022, Galicia, Spain£43.00

Guy Allion, Sauvignon Blanc Touraine 2023, France£46.00

AA Arndorfer, Vorgeschmack 2023, Kamptal, Austria£47.00

Sokol Blosser, Evolution Lucky No 9 2021, Oregon, USA£52.00

Domaine Gerard Tremblay, Petit Chablis 2023, Bourgogne, France£53.00

A Los Vinateros Bravos, Arbol Arriba Torontel 2022, Itata, Chile£53.00

Domaine Ogereau, L'Enjouée Blanc 2022, France£56.00

Domaine Pelle, Menetou-Salon les Morogues 2022, Loire Valley France£62.00

Aline Beaune Montagny 1er Cru 2018, France£90.00

Cantina Rallo, Maremossa Bianco 2022, Sicily, Italy£43.00

Vinho de Talha, Bojador Branco Espaco Rural 2021, Alentejo, Portugal£66.00

Chateau Ollieux-Romanis, Corbieres Rose 2023, Languedoc, France£41.00

Hacienda Grimon, Rioja Crianza 2021, D.O, Rioja, Spain£43.00

Finca Casa Balaguer, Tomatierra 2021, Alicante, Spain£44.00

Ferme Saint-Martin, Côtes du Rhône Romanins, 2023, Rhone Valley, Fra.£44.00

Domaine Sebastien David, L'Huluberlu 2023, Loire Valley, France£46.00

Guy Allion, Pinot Noir Touraine 2022, France£48.00

Domaine Ogereau, L'Enjouée Rouge 2023, France£49.00

Bodegas 40/40, Cuarenta 2022, Mendoza, Argentina£51.00

Domaine Des 4 Vents, Alizes 2020, Bordeaux, France£50.00

La Biancara, Masieri Rosso 2022, Gambellara, Italy£55.00

Domaine Roblet-Monnot, Des Lyres Passe-tout-Grains 2022, France£56.00

I Parieti, Tattarranne 2021, IGT Puglia, Italy£62.00

Our last few bottles