The Union

4.8

1176 Reviews

£26 to £40

Contemporary British

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 31, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 8 times today

About this restaurant

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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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
Neighbourhood
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
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wine

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 1,176 people are saying

The Union reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

East Sussex
Best Overall
East Sussex
Best Food
East Sussex
Best Service
East Sussex
Best Value
East Sussex
Innovative
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 is a charming restaurant celebrated for its "great food and great service." Guests appreciate the "lovely and unusual menu" with "locally sourced and deliciously prepared" dishes. The ambiance is cozy, accentuated by "real log fires" and friendly staff. It's a must-visit for a "beautiful foodie experience" in Rye.

1,176 Reviews

J
James
London10 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Brilliant food and great service. Will definitely be returning!
Is this helpful?
K
Katie
London2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious meal. Every dish was superb. Oysters and pork belly a highlight! Great service too.
Is this helpful?
B
Belinda
London1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food, fish was beautifully cooked. Amazing service
Is this helpful?
P
Philip
London36 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
A nice new find for us in Rye. Good mix of dishes: the monkfish skewer was lovely, the gnochetti tasty and the side veg good. Skate was a little undercooked for liking in places but tasted good. Nice craft beer. Excellent service and nice basic no frills place but accordingly relaxed.
Is this helpful?
C
Christina
London8 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
I love The Union! A birthday celebration, with great food, wine and service! Sadly, it was slightly marred by a very noisy table behind us. Once they had left, it was so much better! Pricey, but worth it!
Is this helpful?
h
holly
London1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing front of house staff, who adapt well to each tables vibe, outstanding food and wonderful atmosphere
Is this helpful?
S
Sharon
Kent2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The front of house service was exceptional. The food was the best I’ve tasted for a long time. When we arrived we thought the outside looked a bit scruffy but once inside we were blown away with the ambiance, the building and the smell of the fire! Everything that we ate or drank was amazing. We will be coming back!
Is this helpful?
C
Candy
Hertfordshire1 review
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal at the Union, the staff were very knowledgeable and friendly, there was an excellent selection of local wines, and the food was delicious.
Is this helpful?
VG
VickyG
London2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Such a lovely place , a nice friendly atmosphere,2 real log fires which were very welcoming as were the staff . A great menu and it was all delicious . Highly recommended :)
Is this helpful?
S
Stephen
Essex1 review
5.0
Dined on March 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A fantastic late lunch, the Resturant was busy so would recommend booking in advance. Lovely and unusual menu, great wine selection and the staff were excellent and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended !!!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Union is rated 4.8 stars by 1176 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 31, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 8 times today

8 East Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7JY

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
High Street, Rye
Neighbourhood
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
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wine

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

The Union

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

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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