On February 21 Doris and Chris Jennings will celebrate their first anniversary as owners of Jeake’s House. Doris has been looking back over the year with fondness.
Were you daunted when you first took over?
No, not really: the staff were so good and in fact today still are. We spent time just seeing how it worked and didn’t want to rush in and change things.
What have been the highlights of the year?
The staff, number one, and the customers – especially as so many have come back many times.
Are you thrilled that you took on Jeake’s House?
Absolutely, just loving it.
Jeake’s House opens for dinner service
Doris and Chris decided in 2026 to launch a new venture, to offer a dining experience for their guests and those visiting Rye. Doris said that she had wanted to do this from the start but knew it was best to find their feet first and settle in; then they would know when the time was right. Angie, a local chef, had been coming in and cooking breakfast with Doris and the team and now it was a natural progression to offer a dining experience in house.
So, to see how it would work, they invited a group of locals, including those who had businesses in the town, The Rye Chauffeur and friends to dine on Friday 30 January.
Doris gave them all feedback forms and said that they must be really honest as it was a learning curve and she and Angie knew things might need a tweak or two.
The feedback was wonderful and in fact the only negative was that the portions were slightly too large – which for many would hardly be a negative at all.
Sarah Broadbent, Deputy Chair of Rye and District Chamber of Commerce, commented, “I think it’s very clear that since taking on Jeake’s House Chris and Doris have worked hard to maintain the high quality experience that guests have long associated with this famous Rye address, but they also recognise there is the potential to offer more.
“They have very wisely started exploring what a Jeake’s House dinner service might look like with a taster evening offered to a small number of guests, most of whom were local businesspeople, trusted to give constructive, honest and helpful feedback.
“The menu was well considered, the ingredients fresh, and dietary requirements were taken into account. Service was of course friendly and warm – that was never going to be in doubt! We were asked to provide comprehensive feedback via a questionnaire at the end of our three-course meal. We also chatted through some ideas that they might find helpful to shape and refine their dinner service offering. It’s clear that they are committed to working towards offering something that will be ‘just right’, and I wish them every success.”
George, The Rye Chauffeur and his partner were guests, too, and had this to say, “It was a great pleasure to enjoy a fantastic meal in a great restaurant that was hosted with friendliness and homeliness. On Friday evening, ahead of their opening night, my partner and I were invited to Jeake’s House to experience their menu and hospitality. From the welcome into the bar which has a fine selection of gins and local wines, right through to the awesome trio of deserts, it was a fantastic evening. Each course was full of flavour, showcasing local produce. The Romney Marsh lamb shank and locally caught fish risotto were the dishes that we couldn’t resist and we were more than pleased with our choices.
“The portions are very generous. There was a great atmosphere in the Georgian dining room, with the tables spaced well enough for a romantic evening, or to get to know the others in the room. Without doubt we were a sociable gaggle of strangers who all lived in Rye and the room was buzzing with conversation and alive with compliments on the food.
“If you are a local resident or are visiting from further afield, Jeake’s House should be on your list of great dining experiences in Rye, and if you can’t make dinner, then there is always the option of breakfast which is also open to non-residents diners.”
Bookings can be made by phoning 01797 222828.
Image Credits: Jane Brook , Sarah Broadbent , Lucy Jeake's House , Jane Brook .