Cobbles and cookery at Taste of Rye

There are two very good reasons why you should wear comfortable shoes when visiting Rye, East Sussex in October. One because of the quaintly, cobbled streets of this ancient Cinque Ports town and two because you may find yourself on your feet taking part in one or more of the amazing choice of cookery courses and classes planned during the annual Taste of Rye food festival.

You could start the week with The Lighthouse Bakery Special Edition Baking Course organised by The Ship Inn. Learn to work with a variety of dough at this independent artisan bakery and take home skills to make great tasting bread and cakes. A further baking course featuring Rye bread and a foraging expedition are also being organised by The Ship.

If your tastes are more general then there are two fabulous opportunities to attend Webbe’s Cookery School for Autumn cooking. There you will learn to use the best local produce such as Rye Bay fish and local game to prepare, cook and then eat a sumptuous 6 course lunch in a fun but informative way under the tutelage of host Paul Webbe.

A Fish Café Taste of Rye cookery demonstration and luncheon where you can pick up tips before you enjoy your meal will also take place on the last two days of the festival for those who prefer the work done for them.

Gourmet dinners, vineyard tours, sustainable fish tasting, cider festivals and really extra special local produce menus all feature throughout the week. Be sure to book early for the cookery courses and with over 30 events taking place in and around Rye throughout the 10 day festival comfortable footwear will be essential if you want that ‘hands on’ cookery experience.

Details of all these events and contact and booking information can be found on tasteofrye.org.uk.