The Gallivant

Note: The Gallivant is a members only restaurant open to overnight guests, club members and their friends.

Surrounded by the wild expanses of Romney Marsh and the sweeping dunes of Camber Sands, this “passionately run” restaurant-with-rooms is naturally great for a bit of outdoor ‘gallivanting’. It also cuts the mustard as a “laid-back” foodie destination dedicated to local, sustainably sourced, seasonal produce – almost everything that appears on the menu is garnered from within 10 miles of the kitchen. Done out like a “beautiful New England beach house”, the restaurant serves “the freshest of food”, including fish off the boats and meat from southern pastures: crispy Romney Marsh lamb breast with wild garlic and creamed potato; soused mackerel with cucumber, fennel and radish; slow-cooked pork belly with peas and wild mushrooms. The day’s catch might appear with pappardelle, roasted hazelnuts and rainbow chard, while desserts could feature the Gallivant ice-cream sundae or yoghurt pannacotta with blackberry sorbet and granola. The 100-bin wine list is a patriotic oenophile’s delight, with more than 20 English sparklers flying the flag instead of Champagne – just ask the “brilliant and friendly staff” for recommendations.

Note: The Gallivant is a members only restaurant open to overnight guests, club members and their friends.

When you think of exclusive hotels and private members clubs, your mind might wander to bustling cities where men in suits sign up for a membership so they can guarantee a free table in town every night for dinner. The Gallivant, however, is no ordinary members’ club. Firstly, it is found in picturesque Rye, surrounded by the charming wilderness of Romney Marsh and the unspoiled landscape of Camber Sands.

The Gallivant is also a club which takes its food seriously. Open all day, as well as for brunch and Sunday roasts on weekends, The Gallivant’s menu is a celebration of locality, with virtually everything served British in origin and much of it sourced as locally as possible. There is also plenty of flexibility for guests, who are able to enjoy meals in the main dining room, at the bar, on the outdoor terrace or even at the beach.

The menus at The Gallivant change weekly and are dependent on what is in season, but you can always expect to find ingredient-led dishes that sing with freshness, with particular attention paid to fish and seafood. If stopping by for dinner, you might begin your meal with the likes of heritage carrots served alongside labneh, chickpea dukka and carrot top salsa verde. For your main course, choose between dishes such as wood roasted Romney lamb chops in a green sauce or roasted hake with St Austell mussels, sea aster and Sussex verjus. To round things off, take your pick from a tempting selection of puddings - think seasonal ice cream flavours or a strawberry meringue topped with cream and beetroot molasses.

Pair your food with an English wine from The Gallivant’s extensive list, or opt for ales and ciders instead.