With a lot of changes in Rye’s shops and cafes at the moment, a familiar face has opened something different. GROUNDED, “a new coffee and wellness gathering space” is now open at 7 Lion Street. The venture, created by Sally Bayly, is inspired by her unique blend of architectural training, yoga teaching, and passion for community-building.
The grand opening on Friday, June 6 was a smashing success with an estimated 60 plus people in attendance over the course of the evening, including Rye town mayor, Andy Stuart, who gave a heartfelt and inspirational speech. Sally’s son, Luc—whose 21st birthday was the day before—saved the day with some kitchen scissors and some make-shift paper when no real ribbon materialised to be cut by the mayor. The crowd lovingly sang Happy Birthday to Luc and toasted Sally on best wishes for her new venture.
Sally, who has lived in Rye since 2002 with her late husband Michel Duvoisin and their two sons, Louis and Luc, has been deeply involved in the town’s architectural scene, having renovated several buildings over the years. The launch of GROUNDED marks a personal milestone for Sally, symbolically opening on June 6 to coincide with both Michel and Luc’s birthdays. The timing carries great significance for Sally and her family, representing both a new beginning and a tribute to Michel, a beloved film composer, musician, and teacher in Rye.
After the sudden passing of Michel, Sally felt a strong desire to “give back” to the community that had supported her family during their time of loss. This led her to transform Rye Old Books, a cherished local landmark, into the vibrant GROUNDED space. Sally’s architectural skills were key to the transformation, as she reused materials from past projects — paving slabs and bricks unearthed in the courtyard, wooden panels from the old bookshop (now serving as the coffee counter), and light fixtures and furniture repurposed from a recently closed local vegan café.
In addition to her architectural and community vision, Sally’s personal need for a yoga venue after the closure of The Elysian Centre last year played an important role in inspiring the project. GROUNDED has since become not only a coffee shop but also a wellness hub, offering yoga classes, wellness workshops, and more. Sally’s commitment to physical and mental wellbeing is reflected in the space she has created — designed to foster connection, health, and healing within the Rye community. There’s a sunny courtyard garden for summertime, and a cosy fireplace area with wood burner for the winter months.
Among the many activities already taking place at GROUNDED is a special seniors morning yoga session, tailored for the 60 plus community, followed by coffee, cake, and conversation. Other events include an open-to-all Sunday games club, the Lion Street Book Club, a women’s circle, compassionate communication class, and Sunday morning meditation session. With numerous other gatherings to come, such as poetry evenings, wellness workshops, an Italian conversation group, craft workshops, LGBTQ+ meet-up, and a monthly vegan potluck lunch club.
Sally invites members of the community to get in touch with her if they have an idea for an event or gathering they would like to host at GROUNDED.
GROUNDED is now open daily from 10 am, offering local Rye Bay coffee and cake, home-made soup with Whitehouse sourdough, and kombucha and freshly squeezed orange juice daily, with other treats to come. Sally aims to keep it local and sustainable – even the coffee cups are made from recycled coffee grounds. Her GROUNDED ethos: “There’s no rush here”.
Image Credits: Sally Bayly , Kt bruce .
Big shout out to the Grounded Games Club, every Sunday afternoon. Run by our very own Games Master, Dom.
Yep. It’s such fun! All welcome