Merchants 1688, Lancaster

A pub of architectural interest, as it is situated in 300 year old wine cellars. Approach the entrance through the well-maintained beer garden at the front and enter the exposed-brick work interior towards the bar area. To the left of the bar is a TV which occasionally has the football on. Leading off from the bar are three long rooms with arched brickwork ceilings, two of which are aimed towards diner and one for traditional drinking plus darts and quizzer. There are usually a nice selection of ales in pretty good condition – four house ales (Deuchars IPA, Lancaster Blonde, Bombardier and Old Peculiar) and a guest, along with an extensive wine list and bottled fare. A little on the expensive side (for Lancaster) you are paying for the venue but at least the quality is good. There’s generally a nice relaxed atmosphere about the place and they’re big on food during the day. Easily accessible from the train station and well-worth stopping off for a beer before you get your choo-choo.

Official site of Merchants, contains menu and real ale list - www.merchants1688.co.uk

Merchants has changed hands before Christmas and has undegone a bit of a face lift. It also now has 4 good cask ales and an excellent new menu. Can't wait for summer to sit outside in the beer garden tucking into a cheese board.

I have been using this pub a lot when I come up to visit my friend who lives in Lancaster. The food and staff are great. My mate Mark uses the pub all the time. 10 out of 10. From Jason Kevan from London