June 2023. Rye.
I’d planned to meet up with Mrs RM and Faversham Friend for lunch in the centre of Rye, and reckoned the beer garden of the Ypres Castle was the obvious choice.
If nothing else, the views to the Castle, from any approach, are pretty much unmatched.
Due to what we call “unforeseen circumstances” disclosed by a fellow early starter, there was a problem opening up at noon so I popped up for a wander, leaving a gaggle of couples staring at the door.
“What is that ? Is that a pub ?” asked one young lady of her partner. I worry for our youth.
Five minutes later, walking round South Undercliff, a van pulled up next to me and shouted “They’re opening up in five” then shot off again. They’re helpful like that in Rye.
I wasn’t even first in, but at least the garden wasn’t quite full yet.
“Why didn’t you have the cask ?” you ask.
In honesty, purely because I’d seen the Floc sticker in the window on the way in and I’m that easily influenced by advertising. If the Rothaus had a sticker on it saying “Staff Favourite” I’d have had that.
Floc Whisper and a pork pie in the sun. Not a bad life.
But not quite ideal for a Vegan visitor who was driving, so sadly Mrs RM had gone in the excellent Fig for Cauliflower (not Colin) Shwarma and mineral water.
“Be there in 10 minutes” I reply.
Two minutes walk, eight minutes to add a half of GlassHouse Sakura into that pint glass (#TrueWay).
Sometimes I’m relieved Jeff’s pub only opens from Thursday to Sunday.
Once again, it’s the staff team at the Ypres Castle that really deserve the plaudits.
retiredmartin 
A pork pie, with apparently neither pink nor beige meat – could cause some confusion.
LikeLike
Why on earth is the pub only open four days a week? Surely, in summer there should be business enough to justify normal opening hours. I find that irregular or limited opening hours keep people away, even when a pub is open, as people stay away expecting it to be closed.
LikeLike
I’ve no problem with that at all, matching staff and trade. And they’re very consistent on publicising opening hours. Jeff has even recommended alternative eating and drinking places for folk turning up earlier in the week.
LikeLike
I’d kill for that pork pie! Was it as good as it looks?
LikeLike
Yes !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Low fat too?!
LikeLike
That pie certainly looks good!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Put a few chips next to it and I’m in heaven….
LikeLike
Nah. Put a lot of chips next to it. Not “triple cooked” either.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Rothaus! Mmmm.
LikeLike
I do like a smashing Brunning and Price and that looks a good ‘un.
Were you able to use CAMRA vouchers in there?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely not a Brunning & Price, Ray, though I can see some similarities with the garden !
And definitely no CAMRA discounts !
LikeLike
One of our favourite pubs but sadly we don’t manage to visit enough -I like winter as I find the garden benches uncomfortable after a while.Last time we went,we had both cheese & charcuterie boards and a splendid pork pie.The hot food used to be good but I completely understand why Mr Bell has stopped doing it -just beer,wine & snacks done well & a nice simple set up inside.Perfect !
LikeLiked by 2 people