Ship Rye

The Ship Inn sits proudly in the heart of the historic town of Rye, East Sussex, offering a rare opportunity to run a pub with letting rooms in a sought-after coastal destination.

The Ship Inn sits proudly in the heart of the historic town of Rye, East Sussex, offering a rare opportunity to run a pub with letting rooms in a sought-after coastal destination. With origins dating back to 1592, this Grade II listed inn is steeped in history, originally built as a warehouse to store contraband seized from smugglers. Today, its exposed brickwork, flagstone floors, and old timber beams preserve its rich past while creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that guests love. This quintessential English country inn combines tradition with modern hospitality, making it a truly versatile business. It features a traditional bar, spacious dining areas, and a private first-floor dining room, while also offering 10 boutique ensuite letting rooms that make the most of the pub’s unique character. With quirky sloping floors, low ceilings, and furnishings in keeping with its heritage, The Ship Inn provides guests with an unforgettable stay in one of Rye’s most charming pubs with rooms. The private dining room, complete with its own bar, is a flexible event space that can host up to 50 standing or 40 seated guests. From intimate weddings and christenings to celebrations and wakes, it offers a fantastic opportunity to drive additional revenue through events and private hire. For the right publican, this is a chance to take the reins of a destination pub business with huge potential across weddings, events, dining, and overnight stays. The Ship Inn already enjoys a strong reputation for quality food, stylish accommodation, and a welcoming community feel, making it a standout choice for anyone looking to run a pub in Rye – one of East Sussex’s most historic and picturesque towns. Key Features • 10 Boutique Letting Rooms – characterful, stylish accommodation for overnight guests and tourists • Traditional Bar & Dining – a cosy spot serving drinks with plenty of character • Elegant Private Dining/Function Room – versatile space ideal for weddings, parties, and community events • Historic Town Centre Location – set in the very heart of historic Rye's cobbled streets Business & Financial Information • Estimated ingoings (upfront): £47,045 • Full deposit: £46,250 • Agreement fee: £795 • Guide rent (weekly): £3,558 • Guide rent (annual): £185,000 • Forecast turnover (weekly): £1,189,209 • Forecast turnover (annual): £1,189,209 Ideal Operator We’re seeking an ambitious, hands-on hospitality professional (or team) to take the reins of this landmark English country inn at the heart of these East Sussex coastal towns life. The Ship Inn combines 10 boutique bedrooms with a bar, restaurant and private dining/event space, giving huge potential for premium food, weddings, walkers and weekend getaways. The ideal publican will have a proven record in destination inns, boutique hotels or quality food-led pubs, be passionate about great guest experiences, and know how to blend polished service with commercial drive. Strong local marketing, community links and the ability to attract both locals and visitors are essential. If you’re ready to run a flagship historical coastal town centre inn with character and serious upside, we’d love to hear from you. Private Accommodation TBC. Regional Manager's Thoughts The Ship Inn is one of the jewels in our estate and sits in a prime location with year-round appeal to locals, leisure travellers, walkers and guests. It’s a high-profile, multi-income-stream site (rooms, food, drink, events) with excellent heritage and appeal. This is a great opportunity for a great operator to take on a flagship coastal town centre inn. Surrounding Area The Ship Inn is perfectly located in the very heart of Rye Town Centre, surrounded by cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and centuries of history. For anyone considering a pub tenancy in East Sussex, Rye offers an unbeatable setting – a thriving tourist destination that attracts visitors year-round. On the doorstep, guests can explore Rye’s fascinating heritage, from the iconic Rye Castle Museum to the famous Mermaid Street, lined with beautiful timber-framed houses. Independent shops, cosy tearooms, art galleries, and antique stores add to the town’s character, making Rye a true magnet for day-trippers and holidaymakers. Rye also benefits from its enviable coastal position. The town provides an ideal base for those seeking a coastal pub getaway, with nearby beaches such as Camber Sands, as well as scenic walks through the East Sussex countryside and across the Kent borders. This blend of seaside charm and inland beauty ensures a steady flow of tourists, couples, families, and history lovers looking for authentic places to stay, dine, and socialise. For a potential publican, Rye offers not just a strong local community but also a robust visitor economy, making The Ship Inn a prime opportunity for anyone looking to run a destination pub with rooms in one of East Sussex’s most historic towns.