Mermaid Inn - Rye

Historic 600-year-old inn with 2 AA Rosette fine dining in Rye

Dining

The Mermaid Inn's restaurant holds 2 AA Rosettes for its French and British cuisine. The menu features locally sourced produce, with dishes like venison and seabream prepared by the in-house team. Breakfast includes a full English, pastries from the buffet, and Eggs Royale served in the historic dining room with starched tablecloths.

History & Architecture

The Mermaid Inn Rye was rebuilt in 1420 after a French raid and still retains Norman cellars dating to 1156. Guests can explore secret stairways hidden behind bookcases and the Giant's Fireplace Bar, once a smugglers' haunt for the Hawkhurst Gang. Complimentary guided tours of the building, including the 900-year-old cellars and ghost stories, are offered by the staff.

Rooms

The Mermaid Inn offers 31 unique rooms, including the Hawkhurst Suite and Nutcracker Suite, each with historical features like wooden paneling, carved beds, and four-poster beds. Some rooms have secret passageways or views over Mermaid Street and the rooftops of Rye. All rooms include en-suite bathrooms, and some provide freestanding baths.

Bar & Lounge

The bar at Mermaid Inn Rye serves over 60 gin options, local ales, and has a large open log fireplace. Guests can also use two resident lounges for drinks in a quieter setting after bar closing time. The bar menu includes fish and chips and chickpea stew, available for lunch and dinner.

Amenities & Location

The Mermaid Inn provides free on-site parking and an electric vehicle charging station, with luggage storage and 24-hour front desk service. The hotel is a five-minute walk from Rye train station and close to St Mary's Church, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, and Camber Castle. Pets are allowed in guest rooms, and outdoor seating is available on the walled patio.

• History: 600-year-old building with Norman cellars and secret passageways
• Dining: 2 AA Rosettes for French and British cuisine
• Atmosphere: Giant's Fireplace Bar and ghost stories from the Hawkhurst Gang
• Bar: Over 60 gin varieties and local ales
• Tours: Complimentary guided tours of the cellars and historic rooms
• Parking: Free on-site parking with EV charging station