Mermaid Inn

The Mermaid Inn, the Jewel in Rye’s Crown. One of England's oldest and loveliest inns, with norman cellars dating from 1156, the Mermaid, rebuilt in 1420, offers tradition and charm in abundance.

A jewel in the crown of Rye, the inn has a wide range of accommodation including rooms with four-poster beds and fascinating secret passages. The lounge bar boasts one of the largest open log fires in the country.

The AA Rosette restaurant offers fine British and French cuisine and the head chef is proud to use only the freshest of local ingredients.

For many years The Mermaid has been frequented by artists from the stage and screen: Charlie Chaplin, Pierce Brosnan, Andy Garcia and Johnny Depp to name but a few. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and Prince Edward have also visited.

Painters from all over the world have spent many a happy hour with brush in hand, capturing the rare character of this beautiful inn

The Mermaid has 8 four-poster bedded rooms, 15 double / twin bedded rooms, 5 family and 3 single bedded rooms. In the other bedrooms, the story is repeated fine panelling, Caen stone fireplaces and latticed windows. The second-storey rooms are particularly intriguing with the curved timber supporting the ceilings. The dormer windows afford a unique view of the red-tiled roofs of Rye.

Conferences are very popular at the ‘Mermaid’ where guests can enjoy the history and charm of this rare old building as well as professional service and fine cuisine.