The Mermaid Inn, Rye

The Mermaid Inn is a historic coaching inn that functions as an upmarket 31 room hotel, but it’s award winning restaurant and bar and lounge rooms are all open to the public. With its wonderful location up a steep cobbled street it is well worth searching out as an historic building. It was originally built in the 12th century and the original cellars dating from 1156 still survive. However the current black and white timber framed and tiled building, with dark oak and carved stone chimney pieces, is the result of a 1420’s rebuild. Internally it is unchanged from John’s review below, and whilst the Fireplace bar, with its truly stunning fireplace, is the centre of attention I agree with him that the rest of the public areas, including the reception, are worthy of exploration. It is many a year since I was last here and whereas the interior is largely as I remember it, the outside space in what was the courtyard and stables has been greatly improved from my remembrances and there are now several comfortable areas to sit around the cobbled courtyard and the covered ones on the far side looking back at the hotel are a good spot to enjoy a pint on a fine summer evening. And with respect to ale there are three pumps on the bar badged with St Austell Tribute, Harvey’s Sussex Best and something called Mermaid Ale at 3.8%. On enquiry I was told this was brewed by the Longman Brewery and having enjoyed their brews whilst in Eastbourne I plumped for this and was pleasantly surprised on pouring to discover that it was actually Longman Long Blonde and in good condition. The comments made by John below that this is more hotel bar than traditional pub do have an element of truth about them and the the Mermaid Inn is certainly a magnet for overseas tourists and especially Americans ( and why not, it’s almost 300 years older than their country). If you are on an evening out in Rye with your partner then I would recommend to bring them here as they would appreciate it. If you are visiting Rye with the lads, there are plenty of other hostelries in town.