The Gallivant Reviews

Such a lovely place, the beach is over the road, would make a perfect place to get married or just to stay.
Everyone was so welcoming and friendly.

Another world. A little bit expensive but accommodation and food are well worth the price. Came here in October but what a relaxing 2 day break with my cavalier king charles spaniel. Thank you all for the warm welcome and hospitality.

This place is a gem. Very friendly staff, great service and superb location.

Good food, service and accommodation. Would give 5 stars if the bar prices were not so high.

We are staying close by in Camber and I found this on my Michelin Guide(plate). Although the staff seemed to try their best, they made several mistakes (food in wrong order, wrong wine glass, waiting almost 5 minutes to be seated (reserved in advance)). The food was far away from being worthy (very average) and in comparison, very expensive. A quick research shows that this restaurant is supposed to be in the 100 best of England I sincerely hope for the rest of England, that this is not true. The only somewhat good thing was the desert, which made me give this place 2 stars instead of one. They also added a service charge directly to our bill (tip), which I find a bit sassy for such a place. So, better stay away if in Camber The Owl would be a better option here.

A real gem of a hotel, Exquisite food, Exceptional Staff, Cracking wines and local sourced produce.It just does not get any better!

Nice place very relaxing to eat and drink nice food and good staff

Pigeon was tasty. Before seating down for dinner let them take your coat and see where they go save time trying to find them later I only say this because when its get busy trying to find staff is awkward not wanting to disturb them keeping the other customers happy.

it was mediocre. Average food and noisy room, The staff were nice

Past its best. Style over substance. Was a very popular and trendy, highly rated place, but the owners seem to have lost interest. Our stay was below average. Many disappointments, insufficient attention to detail. Don't bother, there are far better places.

Went for the Sunday night special a week before Christmas
Lovely little place. On the whole great welcome and service.
Would go again

Just love The Gallivant...gorgeous rooms, the most helpfull staff...dog friendly (even larger dogs!) and yummy food and wine...have stayed and eaten several times now and it never disappoints...nothing is too much trouble...like home from home...plus gorgeous sandy Camber across the road, with Rye a stones throw away - big tick from me!!

We are still here at the time of this review. The bath didn't work in our room so we were moved to different room. However the new room had a TV but no remote. It's a good place but unfortunately our experience so far is not to the standard we thought we were going to get. They have offered us free drinks and promised to reflect our unfortunate experience so at least they have tried to make it better for us. The location is very good as it's a 5 minutes walk from the beach (if you fancy climbing a sand hill) or if you want to take normal route then 15 minutes walk.

Great food but portion sizes were a mysterious minefield. Staff were sweet though lacked direction. Oh and they lost our booking so It was fortunate that I called ahead to confirm. Think we ll give it another shot as the potential was there for something fantastic.

we went for lunch with our kids 2 days ago, the service was slow and the food was ok.
We tried to book a table at 6pm tonight, because we stay just down the road and it is convenient. We were told no kids are allowed.When I mentioned that we had been with the kids 2 days ago I was told by a very snazzy waitress that it s their new policy- very disappointing!

Sorry, but it struck me as being little more than an old motel with a shabby-chic make-over. It felt far to artificial and fake. Over-priced and lacking a real atmosphere.

Wonderful food, staff and location. Perfect for a cosy night in on the dunes or like us for a sensational wedding day! Recommended!

Food absolutely delicious but austere and somewhat frosty "welcome" from restaurant host manageress who seemed to be in a foul mood but putting on a brave face. The result was a stilted and awkward exchange at every interaction. Such a shame. The atmosphere killed any enjoyment of the food and ruined what should have been a lovely lunch. Amazing interior, punctual but perfunctory service. An email had told me of mussels and I was lured on that premise alone. They were not available on the day.

Really liked this place. We went for a short break. Everything was perfect; good food, excellent friendly staff, loads of nice touches, from the wellie boots and umbrellas freely available in the lobby, to the selection of books in the rooms, and the "Recovery Station" (hangover cures) on the breakfast bar. The staff showed how unfazed and adaptable they are when an area-wide power cut plunged us into darkness just before dinner on the second night. Free wine, nibbles and candles appeared almost instantly. Well done.

We stayed here for the night when Rye bonfire was on. I thought everything was very well done and I loved the tuck cupboard.

Nice decor following the recent renovation. Limited menu. Food is quite small portions for value.

Just tried to book the lovely Gallivant for my parents 80th- sadly despite dogs being welcome families are not- so don t bother if your off spring are under 10. A tragic waste of sandcastle making space.

Service was a tad slow but wow this place is so lovely inside, great place to stop for a coffee after a long beqch walk.

Went here for my 40th birthday as a present from my wife. Really lovely place for a weekend break. Very laid back and cool. Right by the beach (but sadly there's no sea views here) and just a short walk over the dunes to the beach. The room was comfortable but got quite warm at night and the only ventilation was the back door (we had a garden room), we didn't fancy sleeping with the door open. We were told that they're going to be addressing this issue this year. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. They seem very geared towards the comfort of the guest. Dinner was good. Portion size is a little smaller than I was expecting (but I'm a greedy guts). My only criticism was that the creamed leeks I ordered with my salt marsh lamb was extremely bland. Basically tasted like leeks in cream. The melted cheese on top added no flavour either. I can't believe the chef and tasted this sauce. I had to generously season with salt and pepper. Everything else was great. Breakfast was a great spread. I usually expect a cooked breakfast as part of an over night stay, but the continental style breakfast on offer here was great. Lots of local bread, cheese, ham, cerials, fruit, pastries and dairy stuff. We really enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back. We're thinking it will be a nice retreat in October when you can have a brisk walk along the beach then back here for a long lazy afternoon with a nice dinner.

Really nice venue. Especially on a sunny day. Food was average though!!

Went here for my anniversary and cannot recommend highly enough. Lovely team and the restaurant tasting menu was epic. All right by Camber Sands. Highly recommended.

I couldn't recommend this place highly enough for its warmth of character, log fire, and quiet tucked away location.

Fantastic food and staff are incredibly friendly, they make you feel at home as soon as you step in the door. Close to the beach and lovely rooms, very good!

Strongly recommend a visit. We went for lunch. I travel a lot to California and it reminded me of a Norcal farm-to-table restaurant. Upscale but relaxed, good service, great ingredients & contemporary dishes (chowder, ribs, crab rolls). Very enjoyable & not what you may expect in Camber.

We stayed at the gallivant for a little staycation during covid19. The atmosphere and decor of the whole place is wonderful, very relaxing and chilled. Brilliant service and excellent food and wine. Dog friendly too so we were able to holiday with our pooch.
A special mention of Ludo, the head bartender I think his role is, he was such an informative, interesting and lovely member of staff who really looked after us during our stay.
we can t wait to rebook next year.

We didn't stay in the hotel, we were just there for a meal. It was a mixed experience; the staff were really friendly and the restaurant space was pleasant and light (not sure about the framed bathing costumes). The food was excellent but - and I can't believe I'm saying this - arrived a bit too quickly (we were enjoying our drinks and the starters appeared within about 5 minutes of ordering), it's nice to have a bit of time to settle in before food arrives.

The one small negative was a bit of disorganisation with the staff service. Out of about 10 tables of punters I saw at least 8 of them have to remind the staff for their drinks orders. We had the 1 incorrect main brought to us and also had to remind the staff about some drinks. That said I would rather have friendly but slightly shambolic service than unfriendly and attentive. Otherwise it would have been a 4 star rating.

The approach to the Gallivant
A low mainly wooden Building gives you no clue
on what awaits you inside
and what an inside! beautiful
Designed with comfort the
main goal,open plan through
the bar into the restaurant with its swimsuit decor very
camber sands! open and light
Not too many tables
With a lounge to the side the
Whole place very warm
how sensible in our climate
The food was very high class
so was the service. a big surprise to find in a small
place like camber. Patrick .

Honestly I was more than a little undecided about how to rate The Gallivant.

On the one hand I've enjoyed every visit, so that must be good.On the other hand, I feel like my enjoyment there is always induced by my own company or circumstance. My good times at the Gallivant have always been achieved not because of, but in spite of, The Gallivant's staff and facilities.

"So why do I continue to visit?" I hear you ask, in deafening shrieks of frustrated confusion...

I work in the advertising industry and have been involved in advertising campaigns being shot on the beach at Camber several times, and more often than not the client or production company accommodates the crew at the, undeniably convenient, Gallivant.

In these moments, being away from my family for one or maybe two nights with work, The Gallivant had always provided exactly what I need. There is a nice cosy bar area to have a beer with a laptop after work, plenty of design-focused magazines and books dotted around. The food is decent, as long as you avoid any of their overly-aspirational dishes. Try and expect high quality pub grub and you'll enjoy it. Go in thinking you're going to get a fast-track on a future Michelin star and you'll end up sitting on your sofa in the middle of a Sunday afternoon leaving an unexcesarily work google-review while your wife listens to desert Island discs.

The rooms are generally small and seaside themed, with good technology and well presented providing you don't look too close. A lot of the bathrooms need some TLC, a few new tiles or some new silicone.

What really marred this reliable-if-unremarkable track record was the first time I decided to visit on my own dime, with my wife.

It was to be the first night away alone, without our baby boy. Perhaps a year or more since his birth and finally we felt ready to leave him with his grandma for a night. I suggested The Gallivant as it's about an hour or so from home, it's right on the beach and it's easy to park there and doesn't involve going into a busy towns or built up areas. EG an easy overnight escape without too much thought required. Also there is dining and a bar on site, and especially importantly they have some modest spa facilities.

The massage I booked was shocking. I was ok with the shed location at first, I understood they were going for a Scandinavian cabin vibe and was willing to buy in. But the young woman who gave me my massage was pathetic. Like, EMBARRASSING. She gave me a very light going over and for a good ten minutes in the middle of the massage she was running my head with one hand while USING HER PHONE. no joke.

After I returned from my massage I wanted to shower off the oils before dinner, and the shower flooded the entire bathroom. This meant either a) moving to a drastically inferior room or b) milling around on a towel while the staff tried to clean up the mess. (Went with b).

Lovely place with incredibly friendly staff and a great location

Beautiful place to eat. Not the cheapest but everyone deserves a treat. Mainly locally sourced ingredients.

My favourite hotel in the UK. Lovely staff, great food and incredible location. Always finding an excuse to go back.

Shabby Chic Beach side hotel, clean tidy and modern. Food and drink locally sourced but very expensive. Room rates also costly. Good for city professionals wanting a getaway venue but not ideal for families with small children.

We were disappointed this time. Will never go back.

A great little hotel, clean rooms and beautiful decor throughout with beach hut charm. The food was spectacular too with some of the best desserts I've ever tried. A great weekend escape from the city

Attended a wedding here. It was wonderful. Food, excellent. Rooms, clean and comfortable. Bar, well stocked. Location, a stone's throw from a beautiful sand beach.

Lovely place to eat and sleep. Family with young children.

The Gallivant was such a great mini beach vacation from london ! Only 2 hours away with a beautiful SAND beach and dunes just across the road.

Rooms are very beach holiday with a little beach garden to look out onto.

Staff are impeccable and probably made the holiday most of anything .

Food incredible. I would charge more and have everything included on the breakfast however.

Great food, pleasant staff and convenient location.

Unbeatale bar and restaurant.Rooms a delight. Close to wonderful beach.Tip top service.

This is about treatment of a cancelled stay during lockdown, not a judgement on the location itself.

A 1 night stay was not refunded for almost 3 months, and the exchange we got was confused and misleading. I know others have also been mistreated and I hope those who have have stays and weddings have now been refunded. A lovely location it may be, but the ethos on the website does not match the actual service.

Beautiful hotel, stylishly furnished, delicious locally sourced food and drink and a stone's throw from all that Rye has to offer. Price wise this is much cheaper than what you would pay at The Pig and not dissimilar in quality. Highly recommended

Really cute accommodation. Breakfast and dinner was amazing and the local wines complimented our food perfectly. Camber sands across the road. Busy during the weekends and school holidays so would recommend staying out of these times

Incredibly rude staff, it's so sad because this place could be amazing but the rude staff at the front make it so incredibly uncomfortable it's truly not worth the visit.

Rooms are a good size, in great condition. All of the essentials are there. Service is really friendly, one downside is that the included breakfast items can be limited, so in the case of some things, if you see something you like, grab it as there may not be more coming! All in all, great experience and fantasy food

Great relaxing place. Came for brunch midweek. Lovely food and cool music. Good service and selection of drinks. The coffee was great too

Enjoyed an indulgent lunch before rambling across Camber Sands, the fish stew, haddock with poached egg and artichoke with panchetta were both delicious and satisfying.(call in advance as there are days when lunch is not served).Excellent service, very friendly, kind and helpful staff in quirky uniforms.

Just had the absolute pleasure of staying here for the evening! We are most definitely coming back for a longer stay in one of the larger rooms. The menu had a cracking selection and really was of an excellent quality. The staff could not do enough and where nothing short of perfect! Thank you and can t wait to come back!

Really not impressed- was a guest at a special birthday lunch and was appalled to be honest - yes, the decor is lovely but that is not enough. The food was very mediocre - spinach and potato dumplings for my main course were so over done and would have sworn they came from a packet, which I would like to hope they did not. The portion sizes were inconsistent and Wine extremely expensive but the worst was the staff who managed to ruin not only the guests experience but for the person who was hosting her special birthday, who was so upset afterwards. The staff seemed to go out of their way to be just unimpressed with having to be there and serve us ( party of 12 )and we were the only guests for the lunch time. This could have been made so special, if they have been welcoming with smiles on their faces and an authentic desire to make their guests feel welcomed and valued. This was very expensive and completely ruined everyones day.