The Union

Name: The Union
Address: 8 East Street, Rye, East Sussex, United Kingdom, TN31 7JY
Telephone: 01797 229289
Price range: £26 to £40
Rating: 4.7

4.7 (1196)

£26 to £40

Contemporary British

8 East Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7JY

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 26, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 7 times today

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Charming
Neighborhood 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.

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

Location
8 East Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7JY
Neighborhood
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 1,196 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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

East Sussex
Good for business meals
East Sussex
Innovative
East Sussex
Healthy
East Sussex
Hot spot
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 shines with its "outstanding menu and service," offering "superb food beautifully served" in a "relaxing and exacting" environment. Guests rave about its "delicious and innovative dishes," highlighting the "mackerel pate" and "steak to share." Friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere with log fires enhance the dining experience.

1,196 Reviews

O
Oliver
West Sussex3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Exceptional food, in a relaxed setting. The feasting menu was as good as tasting menus I’ve had in London restaurants charging triple the amount. The environment was relaxed and the service good. This was fine dining in a casual environment. It would have been good to have been told more about the food, and its provenance as this seemed key to the menu. But, these things take up server time and therefore cost money, and thus meal was outstanding value. I’ve already recommended The Union to my friendship group and we’ll be going back to Rye just for this place. So nice to see a restaurant with British contemporary food thriving.
Is this helpful?
M
Mark
London5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful experience from start to finish. The guys serving us were attentive, knowledgeable, engaging, funny and just great. We are definitely going back, thank you !!!
Is this helpful?
B
Brenda VIP
London10 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 10, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We were the first there for lunch on Tuesday. Service was very attentive without rushing us at all. The food was extremely good and inventive. A very pleasant experience. We’ll make the Union our default place in Rye.
Is this helpful?
J
James
London3 reviews
2.0
Dined on June 1, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 1
Had a lot of promise. Food looks great & I was v hungry having hiked all day with my mutt. I was really pleased as it got good ‘dog friendly’ reviews and they look like they understand food. Unfortunately due to the dog, I was stuffed away in a soulless back room corner with zero atmosphere or charm. May as well have ordered room service in the hotel. Had a couple of small plates & went for mains elsewhere. Bit of a shame really. If you dont have a dog (most people) it will probably be great.
Is this helpful?
I
Ian
London4 reviews
2.0
Dined on May 30, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
The menu was refreshing on its originality but the food was average and not great for choice. The lamb breast was particularly disappointing being extremely fatty and very heavy on the hummus. The citrus sorbet was the best although my companion enjoyed the gnocchi dish.
Is this helpful?
L
Lara
London1 review
5.0
Dined on May 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had an absolutely fabulous meal here, highly recommend if you’re in Rye!
Is this helpful?
D
Debbie
Surrey8 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Definitely a place to visit for the food and ambience. Can’t wait to go back - staff so helpful and friendly too.
Is this helpful?
D
David VIP
New York City3 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding menu and service. Loved the on bone sirloin that was grilled to perfection.
Is this helpful?
M
Mike
Hertfordshire4 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is a great little restaurant, super vibes, very relaxing and yet extremely exacting with the food, both service and quality of the product. We had the feasting menu, which is a bit like a tasting menu or large tapas, is plenty for two blokes (my wife couldn’t quite finish her half) and we had a nice bottle of Gavi to wash it down. Do go there, it’s one of those places where you look at the menu and like everything on it. And even better, it’s in one of the quaintest towns in England.
Is this helpful?
V
Veronica
London7 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very nice lunch with the family! We recommend it :)
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Union is rated 4.7 stars by 1196 OpenTable diners.

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

Home
United Kingdom
East Sussex
Rye
Rye

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 26, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 7 times today

8 East Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7JY

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
High Street, Rye
Neighborhood
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
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

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

Casa Finca Balaguer, Salicornio 2022, Alicante, Spain£45.00

Alex Craighead, Kindeli Bianco 2020, New Zealand£47.00

Gilvesy Varadi, 2018, Balatoni, Hungary£56.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Union restaurant rated?

Is The Union currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information