What should I order at Merchants 1688?
Merchants 1688
Lancashire Hotpot
Multiple reviewers praised this dish as the best they have ever had, highlighting its authentic and exceptional taste reminiscent of traditional home cooking.
Lamb Hotpot
Recommended for its savory and delicious flavor, with several mentions appreciating the rich taste and quality.
King Scallops with smoked tomato dashi, orange, marinated tomato & green strawberries
Highly recommended for the great combination of light seafood with sweeter accompanying tastes that complement each other well.
Lythe Valley Venison Loin with black garlic, venison sausage, red cabbage puree, celeriac terrine and elderberry jus
Praised for perfectly cooked venison and especially the venison sausage and elderberry jus that stood out for their intense flavor.
Beef Short Rib with roast cauliflower puree, kale crisp, Yorkshire pecorino and pickled walnut
Enjoyed for its tasteful composition and pairing, noted to be a treat especially with wine.
Barbeque Monkfish with maple glaze, muscade pumpkin, kale and pumpkin seed pesto
Recommended for being juicy, succulent, and well-balanced without overpowering flavors.
French Onion Soup
Mentioned as the best ever had by a reviewer, highlighting the outstanding quality and flavor.
Wild Boar with garlic sausage
Described as superb, beautifully cooked and presented, making it a standout dish.
Cheese Soufflé
Noted as a delicious starter option, appreciated for taste and presentation.
Gravamax with horseradish sorbet and beetroot
Mentioned as exceptional, demonstrating creative and excellent flavor combination.
T-Bone Pork
Praised for being perfectly cooked and enjoyable, representing a great fine dining option.
Fish and Chips
Recommended for its tasty preparation and classic appeal.
Burger
Noted for perfect cooking and well-chosen toppings, making it a satisfying choice.
Hours
| Monday | 11:30 AM to 11 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM to 11 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM to 11 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM to 11 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 11:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM to 11 PM |
About Merchants 1688
A 17th-century wine cellar with garden, now serving traditional pub food and seasonal dishes.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Free water refills
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid street parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is Merchants 1688 known for?
It is especially known for its Sunday roast, Lancashire hotpot, and real ales, with many reviews also highlighting the historic cellar setting. People also praise the food quality and the atmosphere, which feels distinctive rather than like a standard pub meal.
What dishes are most recommended at Merchants 1688?
Reviewers repeatedly recommend the pork rib eye, fish and chips, panettone pudding, Lancashire hotpot, and lamb hot pot. Other standout dishes mentioned include the duck special, king scallops, venison loin, and French onion soup.
What is the atmosphere like at Merchants 1688?
The atmosphere is described as cozy, historic, romantic, and sometimes vibrant when full, with the dining room feeling like a wine cellar. It suits date nights, groups, and tourists, and reviewers mention both quiet Sunday meals and busier, louder evenings.
Is Merchants 1688 good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is £10–50, and reviewers often say the prices are fair for the quality, with portion size and food standard matching the cost. Some note it is not cheap, but they still felt the fine-dining style dishes and service made it worth the spend.
Do you need a reservation or is there a best time to visit Merchants 1688?
Reservations are accepted and both lunch and dinner reservations are recommended, with some listings saying reservations are required. Reviewers also note it can be quiet on Sundays but full and loud at other times, so booking ahead is the safer choice.
Is parking available at Merchants 1688?
Yes. Paid street parking, Usually somewhat difficult to find a space is available.
Does Merchants 1688 have vegetarian options?
Yes, Merchants 1688 offers vegan options.
Is Merchants 1688 kid-friendly?
Yes, Merchants 1688 is good for kids.
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