Colourful street market for Taste of Rye event

The Festival gets underway today (Friday) and runs until Sunday October 24.

The street market takes place outside Rye Town Hall on Saturday 23 and will see Samba-Reggae drummer performing live and a huge Paella cooked up by chefs at The George.

Roger Crouch, who is promoting the event, said: “This will be like a taste of Covent Garden coming to Rye and is a first for the festival. It should be a great day.

“We are hoping to create something of the atmosphere of the Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival here.”

Rye’s restaurants, pubs and food outlets will be showcasing some of the very best of local food in a packed series of events throughout the week.

Webbe’s at the fish cafe have a six course gourmet evening as well as hosting their famous one day cookery schools.

An exotic experience awaits at the Tuscan Kitchen Trattoria which celebrates a Taste of Rye with “a Taste of Tuscany” with a special three course menu all week.

There are special menus at Strand House, Standard Inn, and Landgate Bistro.

Baileys of Rye and Riverside Restaurant celebrate the festival with creative local fish menus.

Rye Bay Scallops are just one of the mouth watering local foods available on the menu at the Mermaid Inn.

Simply Italian will be serving local fish with an Italian flavour while the Ship Inn has the whole hog as it’s theme running through the week, serving up pork dishes combined with a mini cider festival.

Roger said: “People can enjoy a “Champagne” or “Burgandy” moment with salmon or Romney Marsh lamb courtesy of Rye Lodge Hotel.

“New head chef at the Gallivant formerly The Place at Camber, Bruce Wilson has devised a fabulous menu for the festival.

“As the festival draws to a close, on Saturday 23 from 10am - 1pm, Market Street in front of the Town Hall will host the colourful Farmers’ Market with guests and cooking by the talented chefs of the George in Rye.

“Adding to the carnival atmosphere will be Samba Reggae drummers to entertain you and Street Magic to leave you bewildered.

“Making it a family occasion, there will be free face painting all adding to this unique event.”