I met with Georgia Peck, the founder of Aubrey Halls, to talk about her ambitious new motoring venue taking shape at Rock Channel. Born and raised in the area, Georgia has returned to her roots to open what she hopes will become the South East’s first dedicated automotive destination — a space where classic cars, community events and local crafts come together under one roof.
What inspired you to create a vintage car hall, and how would you describe the vision behind it?
Georgia explained that her connection to Rye runs deep. “My family heritage is all in Rye,” she says, recalling her childhood in Appledore and her grandfather’s home on West Street. After 13 years in London, returning “felt like coming home.”
Already running two car-related businesses — one focused on luxury automotive events, the other on restorations and hire — she saw the collaboration with Martello and the discovery of the Rock Channel site as the perfect moment to create a first physical location. “It all kind of tied in nicely together,” she said.
What can visitors expect when they come in for the first time?
Georgia said visitors can expect “a very eclectic selection of classic cars and motorbikes,” spanning nearly a century — from the 1920s to the present day. The collection ranges from pre-war models and commercial vehicles to 80s and 90s Bentleys and Rolls-Royces, with standout pieces like a “beautiful little 1948 Fordson truck” owned by one of their female customers.
Do you have a favourite piece in the collection, or one with a particularly interesting story?
Among the standout pieces, Georgia highlighted “a really gorgeous Messerschmitt,” the iconic 1960s bubble car originally produced by an aircraft company. Powered by a two-stroke motorcycle engine, it comes with a quirky twist, “You can reverse as fast as you can go forward.” This particular model is especially eye-catching thanks to its leopard-print interior — “rather funky,” she added.
How do you see the hall fitting into Rye’s cultural and tourism scene?
Georgia explained that Aubrey Halls is currently in phase one, with the first unit — the Motoring Hall. Under the Aubrey Halls brand, there will eventually be two main spaces: the Motoring Hall, dedicated to classic car storage accompanied by curated artwork, and the Market Hall.
The Market Hall, launching in 2026, is designed to celebrate Rye’s local producers, artisans and traders. It will host a farm shop, local coffee suppliers, a record shop and more. Georgia emphasised that the aim is “to complement the town, not compete with it,” creating a welcoming destination that supports local businesses and helps ease the flow of visitors around Rye in the summer months.
Have you had any early feedback from locals or visitors?
With phase one now open, Georgia said the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Local classic car owners and collectors have been visiting, many expressing enthusiasm for what she describes as “the very first automotive destination in East Sussex and Kent — the first in the whole South East, really.” Neighbours along Rock Channel have also shown strong support for what Aubrey Halls will bring when the full project launches in 2026.
You’ve organised a classic car and motorcycle meet on Sunday 21 December — what can you tell us about it?
Georgia’s first classic car and motorcycle meet will take place on Sunday 21 December — the first time Aubrey Halls opens its doors to the public. Designed as a monthly event held on the last Sunday of each month, the launch will double as a Christmas celebration, with around 50 classic cars and bikes on display.
Visitors can expect coffee from Ground Up Coffeeshop, hot breakfasts from Mermaid Street Café — “really delicious Christmas baps” — along with mulled wine and cider from the neighbouring winery. Local traders will offer Christmas stalls for last-minute gifts, creating a hybrid Christmas fair and car meet aimed at welcoming both locals and classic car enthusiasts alike.
Georgia stated that the meets are designed for “everyone and anyone.” Families, children and dogs are all welcome, and the events offer plenty beyond motoring — from shopping and art to music and other activities. “Even if you don’t like cars,” she said, “there will be plenty to enjoy.”
What are your long-term hopes for the car hall?
Looking ahead, Georgia hopes Aubrey Halls will become “the very first automotive destination for the South East,” attracting visitors from across the UK and Europe for a day or a weekend in Rye. But she stressed that it’s about much more than cars: she wants the space to celebrate local businesses by hosting everything from wellness sessions and exercise classes to supper clubs and community parties. Her aim is to create a destination where people can spend the whole day — “coffee in the morning, wine next door in the afternoon, listening to records, grabbing a cocktail in the evening” — with classic cars as part of the experience. “We’re just trying to make something a bit different for the area.”
And what will be your opening hours?
For now, the Motoring Hall is open by appointment only. Once the Market Hall launches in early 2026, Aubrey Halls will be open every day of the week.
Image Credits: Orange Tree Photography https://www.orangetreephotography.co.uk/ , Amy Shore https://amyshorephotography.com/%20%20 , Orange Tree Photography https://www.orangetreephotography.co.uk/%20 , Orange Tree Photography https://www.orangetreephotography.co.uk/ , Aubrey Halls .