The Mermaid Inn

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1. JS

   JuliaS

   Devon

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 13 May 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   It was a lovely dinner. Stunning restaurant. Professional staff.

   Report
2. AH

   AlexH

   London

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 9 May 2022

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   Friendly staff, tasty food and a great feel to the place. Highly recommended.

   Report
3. EB

   EllenB

   Hampshire

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 8 May 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Lovely evening, waiters welcoming and very helpful. Great evening

   Report
4. MC

   MaxC

   Shropshire

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 7 May 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We had hoped to stay overnight but The Mermaid was full so we ended up booking a evening meal. The food was excellent and the staff, all of them including at the bar could not of done more to ensure we had a very pleasant evening. We would highly recommend the venue. Will try and book earlier on our next trip back to England.

   Report
5. a

   alanm

   East Sussex

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 1 May 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The food was excellent. The service was attentive with out being intrusive. If it were my local I would definitely be a regular..but I live in London and my wife and I were just visiting Rye.

   Report
6. RR

   RossR

   Surrey

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 1 May 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Beautiful building with bags of history, friendly staff and tasty food. Would thoroughly recommend for a dinner or a stay.

   Report
7. d

   dannie

   Lincolnshire

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on 30 April 2022

   overall3food2service4ambience4

   I found the food to be lacking in taste, I have eaten here before and enjoyed the food but on this occasion I found the food bland

   Report
8. CK

   ClareK

   Brighton

   9 reviews

   5.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on 25 April 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Excellent service and delicious food, beautifully presented

   Report
9. K

   Katkev18

   East Sussex

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 25 April 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Amazing dinning experience, the service was also amazing

   Report
10. F

    Foodie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The ambience was nice and it was lovely to not have background musak which is so prevalent and intrusive these days. Delicious food and friendly and welcoming staff.

    Report
11. TN

    TheresaN

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 23 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The building is beautiful. The staff helpful and friendly. Service first class. The food was excellent. Real traditional fine dining made the evening special. Would thoroughly recommend The Mermaid .

    Report
12. EC

    ElaineC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Fabulous setting. Staff were attentive and professional. The food exceeded all expectations, with every member of our party delighted with their food. It was exceptionally well cooked. The whole evening and experience was excellent.

    Report
13. DL

    DianeL

    East Sussex

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Welcoming,we had a lovely Easter sunday lunch Friendly staff .lovely out side space A very quaint & popular place to visit whilst in Rye .

    Report
14. TP

    TimP

    Dorset

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 April 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    Had Sunday lunch, everything cooked well and generous portions. Reasonable price considering food, location and ambiance.

    Report
15. SL

    StuartL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Suoerb. Enjoy lunch here everytime we vusit Rye. I would advise booking. Gets very busy.

    Report
16. AE

    AnneE

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 April 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Historic hotel. Fine dining. Food not perfect but OK. Service good but pour your own wine. Overall an enjoyable experience.

    Report
17. JB

    JackiB

    Cambridge

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 April 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Excellent ambiance and very attentive staff. Innovative menu. Shame that only option of potatoes had to be cold potato salad though. . Wld much preferred plain boiled and butter.

    Report
18. PJ

    PJouttolunch

    Kent

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on 10 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Went for Sunday lunch. Good roast - huge portion. Good wine list esp for French wines. All reasonably priced. Service was excellent and very attentive and polite. Beautiful old beamed building and very atmospheric dining room. Great for a special occasion but people also there just for a casual lunch. Best to book in advance as it’s also a hotel and a popular venue. Limited parking but lots of car parking a few minutes walk away.

    Report
19. EP

    ElisaP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Super place to have lunch dinner or anything. I love the atmosphere and the staff is super nice. When I am in Ryue is a must-stop.

    Report
20. CF

    CatherineF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Was slightly worried about dining here as reviews are hit and miss but our food was phenomenal. We both had the beef cheek and it was outstanding. Pudding was also huge and delicious. Would definitely recommend.

    Report
21. MF

    MichaelF

    Hertfordshire

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 3 April 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    I strongly advise reading the critical reviews about this location, before making a booking. The sarcastic replies from the "manager" indicate that "hospitality" and "service" are not part of the owner's trading policy. We experienced the rejection of a complaint about food quality that has been reported before. Not recommended - plenty of alternatives available!

    The Mermaid InnResponded on 6 April 2022

    As ever food is a matter of taste. Rye has so many choices for dining out, we would be very happy to offer guidance. We enjoyed reading this review today....."Excellent hotel with character. All rooms are unique. Food very good with top class service."

    Report
22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    East Sussex

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 29 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent food as always … Except i have to say I was a little disappointed with my starter of monkfish ,I made my wife laugh when I told her it tasted like a rock pool and would have been nicer with a little more of the fish . Having said this the rest of the meal was delicious and beautifully presented . We were served by Brendon and Katrina who were both very friendly and polite . We have been before and won’t hesitate to come again . Thank you

    Report
23. PA

    PhilA

    Exclusive

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We were last in the Mermaid 10 years ago and delighted to see that high standards have been upheld

    Report
24. JH

    JanenH

    London

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 27 March 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    We went for a mother's day treat. The interior seems a bit dated but maybe that the theme. Not my taste and no music so no ambiance really. The menu had sandwiches etc on for lunch, but thankfully it was a Sunday and so we could have a Sunday roast. We chose lamb and it was delicious. Even my 5 year old cleared his plate. Amazing food. Staff were friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our experience.

    Report
25. SB

    SimonB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 March 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    We arrived and were seated in a great place overlooking the rear courtyard. Beautiful dining room. I had the monkfish starter which was cooked really well but the rest of the flavours were not for me. My husband had the mushroom starter and he really enjoyed it, slightly larger portion next time. I then had the haddock which was delicious and my husband had the rabbit which he also enjoyed. The wine sommelier was knowledgeable and we enjoyed a bottle of white. It is pricey for the size of portions but this hasn’t put me off and I would recommend and I will visit again.

    Report
26. PH

    PenH

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Staff were super friendly and helpful (especially towards my gluten free friend) and food was delicious.

    Report
27. SG

    SheenaG

    East Sussex

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 14 March 2022

    overall3food1service3ambience2

    Service was prompt and friendly but food was poor. My aubergine parmiagna was not in the least like the Italian version and some of the food was burnt. I felt it was rather pretentious and not a particluar experience I would try again.

    The Mermaid InnResponded on 18 March 2022

    We read every review and always talk to our staff. They were sad that you did not enjoy your dining experience as they did ask twice during the evening, and there were no negative observations. We remain puzzled as to which Italian version you are referencing, however the Aubergine is slow roasted and will by its very nature be of a dark complexion..... We strive to offer guests locally sourced food with a focus on flavours....food is always a matter of taste.

    Report
28. UK

    UKDEBSTER

    London

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 13 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We love going to The Mermaid Inn. So atmospheric and a lovely Sunday roast dinner.

    Report
29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    East Sussex

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 12 March 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience4

    Lovely place and worth a visit. Limited lunch time menu with no starter option but the standards of service are very high. Had cod and chips which was very nice and well priced. Will go again and hoping to stay overnight.

    Report
30. DT

    DorothyT

    East Sussex

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 February 2022

    overall3food2service4ambience4

    We felt let down by this dining experience. We felt it knows it’s always going to to be busy due to its age and location so doesn’t need to try . The food ( I had rabbit which I know and enjoy ) was just not nice ! Vegetables simply boiled as you might do at home nothing special. Hubby’s beef was cold , though tasty . Starters there was much more radish than fish but looked very nice . Puds were fine you can’t really go wrong with cheese and biscuits . All in all we won’t repeat the experience but perhaps many people don’t either and they don’t need that kind of business . Staff were almost too friendly in a “ faux” sort of way it just didn’t feel genuine.

    The Mermaid InnResponded on 1 March 2022

    Thank you for your review. We understand that food as ever is a matter of taste, and it may not meet personal taste. However we do feel it is unfair to castigate a hard working team of Chefs with a line......"so doesn't need to try".......then castigated for friendly attentive service as not being "genuine". At times a modicum of respect for hard working staff does count........and there may be many reasons why The Mermaid is busy.

    Report
31. a

    annieb

    Buckinghamshire

    241 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    241 reviews

    Dined on 26 February 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    I was very disappointed with the restaurant and the food was not what I expected. We arrived for a drink in the bar but couldn't use it as the barman said it was too full. We sat, alone, in the lounge, it was a bad start. I wouldnt return.

    Report
32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    West Sussex

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 26 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was amazing, building is just beautiful and the service is first class. It's a must for anyone staying in Rye!

    Report
33. NW

    NigelW

    East Sussex

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had an extremely pleasant dinner at the Mermaid. The staff were welcoming and attentive, the atmosphere was how it should be as was the table setting. The scollops delicious, cheese and biscuits finished off the meal nicely. Will return.

    Report
34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 25 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Beautiful meal, scallop starter was amazing!

    Report
35. y

    yukoh

    East Sussex

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We choosed mushroom as a starter, and it was definitely outstanding! The flavor is quite deep. I strongly recommend it.

    Report
36. RB

    RobertB

    East Sussex

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 February 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    What we had was excellent but the evening menu was quite limited.

    Report
37. L

    Lazyfrau

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 February 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience4

    Only 5 dishes on the ‘mains’ menu. Only 1 special. Cooked & presented very well but not something I would’ve chosen if given more choice. Service slow, staff all young, overly attentive & too many. Price high.

    Report
38. LW

    LauraW

    East Sussex

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had dinner with our 3year old boy and everything worked very well. The staff were both friendly and attentive and the food was delicious.

    Report
39. ZT

    ZogTheGood

    Surrey

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 14 February 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Very good Valentine’s Day meal but there was one outstanding dish marinated monkfish

    Report
40. a

    adamr

    East Sussex

    16 reviews

    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on 14 February 2022

    overall3food5service3ambience2

    Food was excellent as was the service (though sporadic). Although I'd booked a month in advance we were put in an annex away from the main dining room which meant our service was not as attentive as one would expect for these kind of prices, and the room was completely lacking in ambience. I hadn't been back to the Mermaid for several years and aside from the food I see no reason to return.

    Report