Merchants 1688

Featured reviews

• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “Made a special journey down from the Waterwitch to have dinner here. Arrived around 7pm, ordered drinks and asked for a table. Although the restaurant was empty (see photo), we were informed that they weren't doing walk-ins. We went outside to finish our drinks and looked online for an alternative. Reservations for Merchants were available online but not at the bar apparently! We finished our drinks and went to the Sun Hotel & Bar which was much more accommodating. We won't be back to the merchants ... Following the comment from the owner, no it wasn't Saturday night, it was Thursday evening. Like I said above, the pub and restaurant were empty. Likewise the beer garden was also empty. Maybe a modest issue for you but a major issue for us given we had left the water witch to walk down to Merchants only to be refused service despite tables being available online!”

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• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “Absolutely loved our experience tonight. The staff, service and food were fantastic . It was a 7pm booking (the last orders for food on a Sunday) date night whilst our kids were at Cadet annual camp 🏕️ and we loved it.”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “I'm so happy I choose coming to the Merchants 1688 for lunch during my visit to Lancaster. The place is gorgeous, it would be perfect for a date, it's nice and cosy with perfect lighting, I went by myself though, but no problems at all, I had a date with myself spoiling myself with the most delicious Sunday roast! The service was welcoming and friendly, I was directed to the table I wanted in the most beautiful area, which I saw the photos online and really wanted to there eat enjoying that room in a cave kind of vibe, to fully enjoy the Lancaster atmosphere after my tour at the Castle, and this was perfect. The seat was very comfortable, last but not least, the food was divine! My Brazilian heritage was very pleased with the perfectly prepared medium rare beef roast, pink and tasty. Everything else was cooked to perfection as well. I want to visit Lancaster again just to come here to eat again.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “Very nice looking place, the origins of the building are very old and inside are vaulted dining areas beatifully presented. There is an outdoor patio area at the entrance which catches the sun. The real ale choice is excellent and in good condition. The beer was well priced for such a nice establishment.”

• G

  Google user

  ·7 months ago

  “I think I read about this restaurant in the Saturday Times so, on a weekend visit to Manchester, I decided to book for Sunday lunch following a morning visit to nearby Morecambe. I am glad I did, because the Merchants totally lived up to expectations. From the welcome, the venue, to the excellent food, it was the perfect choice for a relaxed meal. We had the glazed lamb (£12) and root vegetable tatin (£10) for starters, both of which were excellent. For mains, one in our group opted for chicken and the others pork belly (£21). Everything was very well prepared with lovely vegetables and little jugs of gravy which were truly outstanding. It would have been churlish to have left without puds. I had the very tasty Yorkshire rhubarb (£11), three types from sorbet to compote, while the youngest member of our party devoured the sticky toffee pudding (£10) with considerable gusto. As always in these sorts of places, the drinks added considerably to the 2 courses for £30, three for £37 offer. I felt the £9.20 for a small bottle of Prosecco especially steep. All in all, with tea and coffee, our bill before a deserved tip came to £126.80 which we considered great value for a meal of this quality with excellent service in splendid surroundings. One word of caution: the loos are up some steep and narrow stairs, so those wh are less sprightly would find the clamber rather a challenge. Indeed I caught my fingers somewhat painfully between the very necessary bannister and the bumpy wall. Nevertheless, the Merchants comes highly recommended.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·7 months ago

  “Went for a family dinner and overall we were happy with the food. The French Onion Soup was amazing and probably the best of all we had. It seemed that a lot of it was super salty or over seasoned, the halibut was delicious but the crumb was so salty i had to scrape it off the fish. Lamb hotpot excellent and fillet steak really good. Chips nicely cooked but again over seasoned. We did enjoy our meal but probably would not return. Really nice inside , the photos do not capture the elegance of the place.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·7 months ago

  “Great food in a unique atmosphere conveniently located between the station and town center. My wife said the chips were the best she had ever had! Friendly bar staff - very helpful and speedy service- five stars!”

• G

  Google user

  ·8 months ago

  “YUM YUM YUMMM!!! You must try the PORK RIB EYE. The Merchants have mastered the way to cook pork for sure because it did not have the smelly taste of pork and it just basically melts in your mouth when you eat it. The fish and chips were amazing. Honestly not overeating it at all. It’s those kinds that are not covered in thick batter nor the kinds soaking in a pool of oil. The fish was fresh, the potatoes were seasoned well, the tartar sauce had capers in them, what else can I say?!? When you have good mains, you know the desserts gonna taste GOOD. SO YOU MUST GET THE PANETTONE PUDDING just imagine a bread and butter pudding but using a panettone. However, the sticky toffee pudding was a tad bit disappointing. When you make your way towards the center of the pudding, it becomes dry and crumbly. Still worth a try if you’re feeling lucky!”

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• G

  Google user

  ·8 months ago

  “Really lovely experience here - great recommendations on drinks pairings, lovely staff and food was 10/10. Also a lovely atmosphere and very beautiful venue imo. I had the duck special and my boyfriend had the hotpot - some of the best food we’ve had recently and we’re already planning returning in summer to try new dishes and specials etc.:)”

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• G

  Google user

  ·8 months ago

  “The food here is always wonderful but the valentines tasting menu was exceptionally good! Flavour profiles were incredible and each course was a work of art. The staff are brilliant too!”