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Celebrating the South East: Our Home, Our Inspiration

One of the best things about being a small business in the South East is calling this incredible part of the world our home. The area is full of stunning treasures, from breathtaking coastal spots to charming villages—and the people here? Absolutely amazing. We're so lucky to live and work in both Kent and Sussex, and it’s a joy to share this little corner of the world with you.

With one of us based in Whitstable, Kent, and the other near Rye, East Sussex, we’re perfectly placed to soak up all the beauty and charm these counties have to offer. How did that happen, you ask? Well, after living in Kent for a while, Maisie moved 10 minutes across the border to Camber Sands. This widened our horizons (and our work base!), giving us the chance to explore even more wonderful places—not just for work, but for our much-loved friendship days too!

We’ve created this page to share a bit of that love with you. Here, you’ll find some of our favourite spots and local businesses that we simply can’t stop raving about. Who knows—this list might even spark some inspiration for your next date day! After all, everyone deserves a little break from wedding planning now and then, right?

Romantic Rye

Rye is one of the most popular towns in Sussex, brimming with incredible places to see, eat, and drink. This charming town is a treasure trove of wonders, waiting to be explored. Its quaint, old English architecture makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time—highlighted by The Mermaid Inn, one of the oldest pubs in the area, which has been serving guests for over 600 years. Take a stroll through Rye’s picturesque streets, lined with beautiful independent businesses and friendly locals. It’s a place where you’ll quickly feel right at home.

Places to shop

A wonderful art gallery

One-off gifts and original art work all by local creatives.

An independent, family-run gift shop based in the centre of Rye

A place to discover vintage and antique homewares, books, art and objects.

Dining and Drinking Spots

Beautiful wine shop and bar with a great atmosphere and lovely owners.

The Standard Inn: A lovely pub with delicious food served daily.

Simon the Pieman: The oldest Tearoom in Rye.

Fresh sushi that blends Korean and Japanese flavors.

The Waterworks: A micropub with lots of hidden treasures inside.

Los Gringos: delicious Mexican food and cocktails.

The Mermaid Inn: with an incredible restaurant.

Simply Italian: lovely Italian food that will hit the spot.

Must See Spots

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Charles Palmer Vineyards

Rye Heritage Centre

Mermaid Street

Wonderful Whitstable

Popular with tourists for its stunning coastal setting and charming small-town vibe, Whitstable is one of the most lively and beautiful places you’ll ever visit. Famous for its oysters and as the former home of Peter Cushing, this lovely town is brimming with small businesses and fun spots to explore.

Below, we’ve put together a list of our favourite businesses and locations in this picturesque seaside town.

Places to shop