The Gallivant

A trusted reviewer had a ‘great stay’ in 2020 at this ‘very welcoming’ restaurant-with-rooms, a skimming stone’s throw from the dunes of Camber Sands. Owner Harry Cragoe transformed the run-down motel into the epitome of Californian beach-chic just over a decade ago. Bright and breezy bedrooms, all on the ground floor, have direct or easy access to the garden. Baby Hampton rooms have light oak flooring, window seat and compact marble bathroom. New Garden rooms are more dramatic, with colourful detailing and wooden decking. Our reviewer’s Luxury Garden room ‘was well thought out, with sliding bathroom wall, and French windows looking on to a small garden’. New head chef is Jamie Guy, who cooks with locally sourced ingredients. A whole fish to share is a speciality: our reviewer’s plaice was ‘superb’. Other local delights might include Dungeness crab, Romney salt marsh lamb or braised Hastings cuttlefish. Breakfast brings everything to set you up for a 
day on the beach: home-made granola and fruit, a full English or perhaps avocado on toasted sourdough made in Rye. ‘We are very happy here.’ (Richard Bright, DH)