The Mariners, High Street, Rye

One of the more unassuming tearooms in Rye, the Mariners is part-business, part-charity. Most of the waiting staff have learning disabilities, so the service can be erratic, but also charming. The decor is a tad old-fashioned and tired, but on a Saturday afternoon, the tables tend to be full and there is a lively atmosphere. The cheese and bacon panini (about £4), served with a very modest salad, might be lukewarm, but it still tastes pretty good. Alternatively, the ham ploughman’s, which comes with two large bread rolls, loads of decent meat and heaps of salad, is very generous for a fiver. 7/10