The Giant’s Fireplace Bar is one of the most fascinating rooms in the Hotel.
A huge, open, log fireplace, possibly one of the largest in England, has a vast beam that spans the whole width, supported on stone piers.
There is a Priest’s Hole situated in the chimney breast, used in the days when it was a crime to harbour a Roman Catholic – a warm refuge and a safe one!
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?
An eyewitness of the day wrote:
“They sat at the windows of this house, carousing and smoking their pipes, with their loaded pistols lying on the table before them, no magistrate daring to interfere”.
The Bar offers a wide selection of beers, wines and whiskies, with a Bar Menu offering freshly prepared food. The Bar extends out onto 3 patio areas offering a sun trap in the summer… when the sun shines.
On offer are:
- A selection of Real Ales, Lager and Cider
- Wine List
- Large range of Whiskies
There is a bar menu with locally sourced seafood and a variety of choice which is available:
Monday to Thursday: Noon to 2.30pm and 6.00pm to 9.30pm.
Friday – Saturday – Sunday: Noon to 6.30pm
There are 3 outside patio areas to enjoy the Mermaid Inn and relax at the heart of the Rye Citadel.