A beauty to behold, The Mermaid Inn is a 600 year old building offering cosy hotel rooms and an abundance of dining options, including a main restaurant, a bar and two relaxing lounges.
The main restaurant at The Mermaid Inn consists of a linen fold panelled dining room, which is steeped in history. Oak panelling and white tablecloths give the room a sense of tradition and occasion, while gorgeous murals covering the walls and burnt orange curtains stop things from being too austere.
The kitchen here is headed up by head chef Ben Fisher, who has experience working in a variety of Michelin-star kitchens, including Fischer’s Restaurant in Baslow, The French Laundry in California and Tom Aikens Restaurant in London. His menu champions high-quality, locally sourced produce and diners can choose between two- or three-course set menus (dedicated vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available).
The food offering changes seasonally, but on your visit you might begin with starters such as juniper smoked duck breast with poached gooseberries, beetroot and a gin and gooseberry puree, or pan-fried scallops with wild garlic, radishes and dashi. Main courses meanwhile, might include the likes of corn-fed chicken supreme or roasted halibut fillet, padded out with side orders of hand-cut chips or a Jersey Royal potato salad. To round off your meal, tuck into tempting pudding options such as orange and honey polenta cake with honeycomb and orange liqueur ice cream or a pineapple and key lime pie with coconut and rum ice cream. Those who prefer savoury delights can instead order a selection of local cheeses accompanied by homemade chutney and biscuits.
Oenophiles will be happy to discover a globally inspired wine list of more than 70 bottles, while beers, wines and soft drinks are also available. Fair prices are a further draw for diners.