The Mermaid Inn: Rebuilt 1420

UPDATE:

Sunday 1st October: The Mermaid is fully open today. The Restaurant is open for both Sunday Lunch and Dinner.

This Autumn escape to The Mermaid Inn and Rye. Discover the experience of staying in a 600 year old Inn, with a 2 AA Rosette Restaurant, The Giants Fireplace Bar, and Cellars dated to 1156.

Then discover the unique town of Rye, with its’ cobbled streets, independent shops, cafes and restaurants, all within the medieval citadel. The Rye Heritage Centre, with its’ Sound and Light Show is the place to begin the discovery of Rye……..

Then discover the varied and rich landscape surrounding Rye. Walk at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, visit the local Vineyards during their harvest, experience Europe’s only desert at Dungeness, or explore the varied walks around Rye in the Weald.

THE MERMAID INN – REBUILT 1420

The Mermaid welcomes travellers:

The Mermaid welcomes travellers, to enjoy the unique experience of staying in a 600 Year Old Inn, dining in a 2 AA Rosette Restaurant and relaxing in the Giants Fireplace Bar, The Tudor Bar, or spending time on the walled patio.

The Cellars date from 1156 and the building was rebuilt in 1420 after The Mermaid and the Town of Rye were burnt to the ground by French Raiders on June 22nd 1377.

Experience a drink in the Giant’s Fireplace Bar and imagine how the Hawkhurst Gang, local smugglers in the 1730s and 1740s, caroused in the bar. Can you see the secret passageway entrance?

Dine in the Linen Fold Panelled Restaurant. Enjoy the ambience of the large restaurant, the cosiness of the Dr Syn dining room or the privacy of the Boardroom for your evening meal, lunch and breakfast.

The Giants Fireplace Bar

Restaurant at The Mermaid Inn:

Mermaid at Night

MERMAID TOURS:

On the last Sunday of each month, Owner Judith Blincow will be offering Guided Tours through the 600 year old Building, providing a walk through time. These will be commencing at 4pm and 5pm. The next set of Tours are on Sunday 24th September 2023.

Tours can be pre booked. Contact Reception through [email protected] or 01797223065. All we ask is a donation to the Mermaid’s Charity, The National Deaf Children’s Society.

THE TUDOR ROOM:

Our Function Room for those special Days and Events.

Explore our Rooms

Find Us

Find Us

The Mermaid Inn
Mermaid Street
Rye
East Sussex
TN31 7EY

Telephone: +44 1797 223 065

Learn more

Car Parks in Rye:

Our car parking capacity is reduced, we now offer 15 spaces. If all the spaces are taken we recommend guests drop off luggage in reception, then park the car in Rye. We recommend The Market Car Park (Closed Wednesday Night for Thursday Market) which is 5 minutes walk or Strand Quay Car Park which is 2 minutes walk.

Click the links below for the details of all Car Parks in Rye, and Electric Charging Points in the Area. .

Car Parks in Rye.

Electric Charging Points

Restaurant at The Mermaid Inn

Dine in the 2 AA Rosette,Linen Fold Paneled Restaurant, where you can enjoy the ambiance of the large restaurant, the coziness of The Dr Syn Dining Room or the privacy of the Boardroom for your evening meal, lunch and breakfast.

For special occasions we offer a personalized service to help you plan your food and wine to ensure we create never to forget memories. We provide a range of settings for Private Dining and a range of menus.

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Recent Reviews

RECENT REVIEWS

TripAdvisor

Splendid surroundings, excellent hospitality

We had a fantastic stay at the Mermaid Inn. The measure of this fine hotel started with their flexibility and efficiency in managing to honour our booking despite two cancellations due to Covid related matters. We felt that they were looking after us before we even arrived. The staff are clearly well trained and motivated and it shows in their customer care. In such an ancient establishment you might expect a little deterioration, but everything was clean, it all worked, and it all matched the ambience of the surroundings. Bar staff and reception staff were always friendly, helpful and efficient. We felt recognised and welcome, but not fussed over, which is just ideal for us. The restaurant was absolutely exceptional. Efficient, service, and the best food that we have enjoyed away from home for many years. Staying two nights we were able to try most of the small fixed price menu and everything was perfect, evening meal and for breakfast. Eating food that I recognise that I could not produce myself is a rare pleasure for me and I am truly grateful and appreciative of the kitchen’s efforts. I understand that it is a small crew, but you would not have known that by the way that they serviced a full restaurant efficiently without drama and with obvious attention to detail. Staying in a place that gets it right in all three main areas of service, accommodation and food is a real treat. We stay in B&Bs and pubs a lot, and I am easily irritated by the small things that just don’t need to be wrong. The Mermaid Inn gets hospitality right.

Wonderful anniversary meal

Wanted somewhere special and traditional for our Ruby Anniversary meal and this was perfect. Old school and elegant with crisp white tablecloths and silver service, beautiful surroundings and first class locally sourced food. Our waiter, Sam, was attentive but not intrusive. A really lovely evening. Would definitely recommend for a special occasion. Set menu prices very good for the quality of food.

OPEN TABLE REVIEWS

“Beautiful old inn in a very picturesque street. The staff couldn’t have been more charming and our waitress was extremely welcoming. Covid-19 safety precautions were well addressed and we felt safe there with my elderly mother. Tables were well spaced and staff wore masks or visors. The lunch menu was limited to a selection of homemade burgers and fish. The smoked chicken burger was one of the best I’ve ever had and the raspberry pannacotta desert was divine! We have already recommended this destination to friends and will return when back in Rye.”

“We absolutely loved staying here. If you want to feel surrounded by history there is no better place. Floor boards creaked a bit, so what, the place is 600 years old what do you expect. Love It. Will return. Food and choice brilliant.”

“Really recommend this restaurant, and cosy bar with amazing fire…. food excellent, staff professional and friendly, really lovely atmosphere, Definitely book in advance as very popular Covid aware but not in your face”

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