It’s not a secret that Rye’s had many lives over the last few centuries. Having once been a medieval citadel, a harbour attacked by pirates, and a haven for countless poets and writers, this charming town is now becoming a “must-see” destination for travelers across the UK and the rest of the world. Memories of the old town can be seen on every corner, with beautiful cobbled streets, churches and Grade-II listed houses adding an air of historic allure to those weekend trips in the British countryside. However, Rye is not just beautiful architecture or tales of the past. There is a growing community of design lovers, gourmets and bon viveurs that are setting up businesses here and bringing the town into the future.

The reality is that crowds coming into Rye are often seeking that kind of contemporary experience. The whole East Sussex area is famous for its antiques and gastronomic culture and though we love the town’s forts and museums, we want to celebrate the artisan shops, galleries, and modern establishments that inspire us and the rest of the local community. Below are some of our favorite places to shop, from everyday goods to art and furniture items, that will hopefully help you get the absolute best during your stay at St John or the Coastguard’s Cottage. Just like a local.

1. McCully & Crane

Marcus Crane and Gareth McCully are part of the DFLs group, or otherwise known as down-from-Londoners, arriving in town more than a decade ago and creating the most beautiful space for art, brilliantly restored furniture, and other one-of-a-kind objects of desire. Initially working on one side of a 19th-century merchant’s warehouse on Cinque Ports Street, they quickly expanded into the adjacent building and now own an established gallery and shop, well-known among art and interior lovers. McCully & Crane offers a curated selection of pieces from local artists, such as the fantastical portraits of Poppy Ellis that instantly caught our eye on our latest visit and the ceramics of Eddie Knevett that were adorning a beautiful reworked console table. Every visit here is a unique experience, so it’s guaranteed that you will find something special as a gift for yourself or a loved one.

2. Merchant & Mills

Proof that a great idea and strong branding can take a business very far is none other than Merchant & Mills, the Rye-based retailer with a cult following among sewing enthusiasts and anyone looking to add more personality to their wardrobe. Established in 2010 by Carolyn Denham and Roderick Field, they sell everything from sustainable cloth and haberdashery to sewing kits and patterns, with the aim of bringing style and purpose into the often overlooked world of sewing and handcraft. Mission accomplished! Over the years, the company has grown and evolved and they now offer classes and retreats for avid sewers, illustrated books, and even wholesale opportunities for other members of the industry, such as the dressmakers, tailors, and menders that they always wished to include.

3. Puckhaber

One of our favorite antique shops to visit is Puckhaber, a mother-son-operated family business with shops in Rye and London and over 30 years of experience in the trade. Their incredible collection includes original painted furniture, period mirrors, and other small decors they source from their trips around Europe, that is displayed in a gorgeous minimalist space with views of River Rother. It should come as no surprise that Puckhaber supplies some of the UK’s leading interior designers, antique dealers, and notable celebrities, so make sure to visit if you are looking for something special for your home.

4. Alex MacArthur Interiors

If you’re looking for a tailor-made shopping experience, this has to be one of your stops! Located in a former 14th-century Augustinian friary that blends ecclesiastical and brutal industrial architecture, Alex MacArthur Interiors offers an eclectic selection of antique furniture dating from the 17th century onwards. Visiting the showroom is akin to a religious experience in itself, with candles sometimes flickering in a corner and the smell of incense lingering in the air. His love for enormous statement pieces is evident everywhere, but the lighting is also exquisite, with clusters of Holophanes and Murano wall lights often stealing the show. Alex loves to give a private tour of the space, but visits are only available by appointment so don’t forget to book in advance!

5. Soap & Salvation

Situated within a reconstructed chapel on Rope Walk that was originally built for the Salvation Army, Soap & Salvation is one of the most beautiful and creative spaces in all of Rye. This gorgeous shop by Jo and Barrie McPherson doubles as an event space and brings together vintage and antique pieces that celebrate good design. The dynamic duo, who moved here from London a few years ago, explain to us that they don’t have a specific period or style that they source and instead collect items that they fall in love with. Yet somehow their collection feels incredibly cohesive, with early 20th century quilts, primitive wooden stools, and MSM furniture all coming together to form inspiring interior vignettes everywhere you look. If you’re in the market for soft furnishings, ceramics, or home accessories we highly recommend you stop by. Oh, and if you’re a design geek like us, make sure to check out the mezzanine book shop!

6. Knoops

Based on a carefully curated percentage menu which offers chocolate drinks to suit every taste and mood, Knoops opened its first shop in Rye in 2013, taking our taste buds on a journey of what can only be described as liquid chocolate ecstasy. Their luxury hot chocolate flakes are ranked by strength, from a sweet 28% white all the way to a deep-flavoured 100% extra dark, and over half the drinks are vegan-friendly and available chilled. A knowledgeable team of chocolate lovers will help you discover your perfect variety, as they encourage experimentation with different % chocolates and flavours in a process they call ‘Knoopology’. The brand has expanded and now even includes a pioneering cookbook with sweet and savoury recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

7. Beaucatcher Wines

If you’re in the market for good wine, Beaucatcher Wines is our absolute favorite! Bursting with flavour and character, this retailer offers an extensive portfolio from winemakers throughout Europe and the New World that will be perfect for a night in or a gift to bring back with you. Being strong believers that a wine should reflect the unique 'terroirs' they originate from, they support the use of indigenous grape varieties and consider the environmental impact and sustainability of products before adding them to their selection. Here, you will find many options from small, independent growers, while most are either organic, biodynamic, vegan or natural.

8. Sweet William

With over 40 years of experience, Sweet William is a family-run greengrocer and florist that provides fresh seasonal flowers and a wide selection of fruit and vegetable. You can also expect a wide variety of other local products such as honey, marmalade, or fresh eggs as well as milk, yogurts, and cheeses from a local dairy. A nice touch is definitely the fruit basket gifts or the flower arrangements that you can order and have delivered free of charge in town with minimum orders of £35.

9. Rye Butchers

They say you should be buying your meat from your local butcher and we are very lucky to have a great one. Whether you’re planning for a special occasion or just looking to satisfy your craving, the Rye Butchers is our go-to. The quality of the meat is excellent and sourced from local farmers and their expert staff goes the extra mile to assist you with your needs. Word of advice though, plan ahead if you’re visiting around the holidays.

Thinking about visiting Rye? Stay with us at St John! This award-winning conversion of an ambulance station is located within the old town walls of Rye and just a few minutes’ walk from the train station; the perfect location to explore the area from.

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