The Queens Head — Restaurant in Rother

I would have liked to rave about this pub - I tried to ramp it up a little, but unfortunately, I can't! Whilst staying in Rye, we thought we'd make use of our Meerkat Meals perk! We discovered The Queens Head was the only venue in Rye to attract the offer. I rang and a very polite chap said, "I know we used to do Meerkat Meals, but I'm not sure we still do. Let me check." Off he went and returned to the phone a couple of minutes later - "Yep, we do. Would you like me to book you in?" We made a reservation for 7pm the next day. The next day, we made our way to the pub. We should have done an about turn, when we discovered several young people outside, shouting up and down the street, and being somewhat rowdy. We had to tip-toe around a couple who were sitting on the steps, hugging! Once inside the pub, it looked quaint enough. We made our way to the restaurant area. The place was deserted. We spoke to the lady serving behind the bar, who explained her printer was on the blink and so she could only offer us her lunchtime menu! No - I couldn't see the connection here either! We were told to take a seat in the restaurant area. Off we went and as we were the only patrons, we sat in the nearest seats available. The atmosphere was zilch. Cold, unwelcoming and as though they had opened the area especially for us, I suspect their only diner's of the evening! The same bar lady came and took our order (2 scampi and chips)! The food arrived. It was O.K. but not the freshest, tastiest scampi I had ever eaten. Quite dark coating and bland old chips really. And cold peas to boot! We finished our 'meal' and tip-toed our way back past the youths to escape! Like I said, lovely polite staff, O.K. grub, but not a...

We've been here before, last year and really enjoyed the fish and chips - better than the local fish and chip shop! So we decided to go back but unfortunately the menu has changed. The food was great! I'm warning you though, if you have a starter or share the baked camembert starter, you probably won't want a big main! I thought I was safe after the starter with a French style burger and fries but I was wrong. The burger was also stacked with camembert cheese! Waaaaay too much food and I'm a big guy that enjoys my food. Can't fault the food, piping hot and delicious. Service was friendly and polite. I just don't think it deserved more than 3 stars, not because anything was really wrong. Well, despite the lack of alcohol being available, the seating wasn't great or comfy for a sit down meal. It was just pretty average... Something we did enjoy was a local group practicing on their ukuleles and singing some old classics until about half 9. There's a pool table, some big comfy arm chairs for relaxing while drinking and...

The Queen's head Rye. What can I say. Three landpeople, all extremely pleasant and very good at their various roles. The customers range from 19-20 year olds to the elderly couple and everything in-between. All of the social classes are here and all of them seem to be decent and friendly. Then the food. Perhaps the only minor criticism is the extent of the menu, however, , although limited, what they do serve covers all the usual dietary needs and is cooked wonderfully with the usual busy, but cheerful staff making every effort to help you enjoy the evening. The pub itself covers all tastes, with nooks and crannies inside and out, where the two courtyard gardens make the warmer months even more enjoyable. Rye is the most amazing town and The Queen's epitomises everything that is varied and wonderful about it.

And it is by the sea, what more...