The Standard Inn, Rye

The Standard Inn was empty during my visit on Tuesday evening; which wasn’t surprising as the barman/manager was watching Sewing Bee hosted by Claudia Winkleman on the plasma screen that adorns the bar. More interestingly the bar also supports four hand pumps, but two of these were unused and one was drawing Old Rosie cider so the only ale option was Harvey’s Best. There was also a very limited standard draught selection of Becks Vier, Guinness and Stowford Press cider. The bar is located along the right hand wall and facing it on the left is some seating and a couple of fireplaces that were fully operational during my visit. There are some steps at the rear that lead down to the backyard where there is an outhouse that contains the toilets. Beyond there is a small paved area that houses some picnic tables. This is a nice cosy little pub that would be much improved with the removal of the TV off the bar and some decent ale. I would give this place another go as I think that the building warrants it, but I must say that I wasn’t very impressed with my first visit.

Apparently this dates from 1420 in places, and was originally built as two properties which were merged and opened as a pub in around 1600. It remains a traditional pub, I would say one of the best in town, with a warm atmosphere (and fire), and three hand pumps plus a fairly standard tap selection. This weekend the ales were Brighton Rocks, Brains SA and Reverend James. The main bar area is at the front, with beams and lots of exposed brickwork. To the rear on the right hand side is a dining room offering ‘casual fine dining’, and to the left rear a courtyard and an outhouse containing the toilets. I thought there was a good mix of customers early on, the downside was the chavvy local youths who were in later on Friday and Saturday nights. ‘We’ve got a gobby bitch’ as one of the locals called out to the worst of them, which was the only thing which shut her up for a few moments. I’d happily come here again if in the area, but at different times.