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4.5

Based on 2.975 opinions finded in 2 websites

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Nº 116 in 546 in Lancaster

Nº 18 of 88 British in Lancaster

CUSTOMERS TALK ABOUT DISHES WITH..cheeseoldbeautifulfishpiesandwichmustroastsoupporkpuddingcookedsteaklambchicken

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Best food I have tasted in any lancaster restaurant bar none

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Juice WRLD Juice WRLD . 2024-12-07

MORE AT Google

Nice, although expensive pint. Served quickly enough. Sat down in one of the alcoves, seating not clean and a musty smell.

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Carl Threlfall . 2024-12-05

MORE AT Google

A gem in Lancaster. The food was excellent and the quantities were impressive. Amazing service too. I wish London could be closer to Lancaster so that I could visit more often.

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Kevin L . 2024-12-04

MORE AT Google

Been here a few times recently and have been absolutely blown away with the quality of food. The autumn/winter 24 menu in particular has been amazing and it’s fantastic that a lot of the food is sourced locally. The atmosphere in the old wine cellars is lovely and makes for a really unique dining experience. Service is usually good but not always, sometimes members of staff can be quite abrupt but I appreciate they are probably very busy. Definitely not something to put you off going as the place really is one of a kind in Lancaster.

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Meg Jeffery . 2024-11-29

MORE AT Google

Just went for drinks. Atmospheric but pricey

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cumbrian homestead Cumbrian Homestead . 2024-11-10

MORE AT Google

Lovely food. Great beer and mine. Intimate venue. Recommended.

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Steve Maudsley . 2024-11-09

MORE AT Google

Fantastic place to eat and drink 🍸

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teresa norris . 2024-11-08

MORE AT Google

Visited on a Sunday for my partners birthday celebrations whilst staying in Lancaster. Excellent friendly service by everyone and one of the best Sunday roast dinners we've had in a long time! We also stayed for the pub quiz afterwards, which was great fun with a friendly quiz host, and we didn't come last 🙂 Our first visit to Lancaster and, therefore, to Merchants 1688, but we will be returning to both! Whole heartedly recommend a trip here for a meal. Thanks.

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Sean Connelly . 2024-11-05

MORE AT Google

Visiting Lancaster on the way to Scotland we stumbled fortunately on this characterful venue. Set in old vaulted wine cellars, but also with some outside seating, this place has tons on atmosphere. We sat in some comfy leather sofas and tried two of the ales on offer and they were both great. We only saw a bar snacks & chips blackboard and so can’t comment on food offering. Enjoyed our visit.

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jrapeter . 2024-11-01

MORE AT TripAdvisor

A great place for a drink. Very historical.

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Andrew Holdsworth . 2024-10-31

MORE AT Google

Atmospheric pub brimming with Lancastrian history. A bit posh and foodie but also good for a quick pint or three. Interesting choice of local cask ales. Great place to sit in the cavernous cellars and soak up the atmosphere. Top drawer.

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Ganu Gasperoo . 2024-10-30

MORE AT Google

What a great choice for a birthday gathering. Deliberately chosen because I'd read such good reviews of Sunday lunch - and we were not disappointed. All staff warm and welcoming - both at bar and at table. Service was efficient but relaxed, and food tasty and beautifully presented. Thank you to the whole team.

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Liz W . 2024-10-30

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Great food and service, lots of history.

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Bruce Forshaw . 2024-10-26

MORE AT Google

Outstanding food and service. Highly recommend this. The Sunday lunch menu was exceptional. The absolute best roast beef ever and magic Yorkshire Pudding with a tasty surprise inside. And, the evening was topped of with a brilliant fun quiz, the quiz master is top notch.

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roy clark . 2024-10-21

MORE AT Google

So first things first we where a parti of 8 adult and two children and had pre ordered prior to our arrival. Starters went well and the food was enjoyable. Then onto the mains three of us didnt receive our orders but fair play to the staff the quickley realised that there was problem and explained that there had been a mix up in the kitchen and that they would get the food to us as soon as possible and that there would be no charge for those 3 main meals. To be fair it didnt take to long. Overall despite the odd hic up we enjoyed our food and would definitly go again.

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David Blakey . 2024-10-20

MORE AT Google

Absolutely beautiful food...little problem sorted out in a totally professional way,waiting staff highly attentive. Would highly recommend

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Big red . 2024-10-20

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Brilliant food great atmosphere and good service can't recommend it enough

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Jane Fleming . 2024-10-19

MORE AT Google

Brilliant pub with first class Guinness

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Kenny Burnett . 2024-10-15

MORE AT Google

Quite a fancy little place, unfortunately the food just wasn't to my liking, presented very well and was definitely good quality. Not a big fan of lobster, tried it for the first time here. Had the beef steak medium rare which wasn't very tasty and quite chewy, very good potatoes, the nduja mac and cheese is pretty good too. Had the satsuma parfait for dessert which was pretty pathetic, a bruleed tangerine with some chocolate mousse that tasted like it was £1 from a supermarket. Overall a fine dining experience, great service, unsure if I'd comeback with how expensive it was but maybe if the menu was good enough.

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Someone . 2024-10-10

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Stunning food, great value for money and very friendly staff.

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jac priestley . 2024-10-10

MORE AT Google

Wonderful atmosphere and food in this wine cellar style restaurant

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Joseph Reijnen . 2024-10-10

MORE AT Google

Beer was good but they seemed more interested in catering for diners than drinkers!

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john webster . 2024-10-07

MORE AT Google

Magnificent ad! The dishes are a treat for the taste buds. The staff are lovely. I highly recommend

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virginie Bonzon . 2024-10-05

MORE AT Google

Unusual setting, tastefully fitted out. Good range of ales. We sat inside in one of the old wine cellars which gives a more intimate atmosphere.

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Nick G . 2024-10-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Saturday 19th August 2023 This real ale pub is so quaint and has a cave interior that has to be investigated by punters coming here to drink the ample amount of great hand pumped ales on This pub has now got a great price structure for its ales The staff are ace, and it has a good decent local following. Tonight, I was really impressed with how well organised everything was sorted out I did not eat in this pub, so I can't give stars on eating But this pub is a must to visit for real ale Tuesday 2nd October 2024 Again, today, we visited this essential visit for real ales when in Lancaster Nothing has changed from my last visit a fantastic interior, beautifully ranbe of plethora of handpumped ales and good staff and back ground music this idealistic real ale pub is ace Keep up the good work all in volved

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Darren Slingsby . 2024-10-02

MORE AT Google

Did not order food, so I can not comment. Great selection of drinks, really pretty building. It's like being in a cave (but a pretty cave!) and has a warm atmosphere. The staff were really friendly and dipped in and out of conversation (which i personally love!) I would not say it is accessible for wheelchairs due to the nature of the building, and toilets are upstairs so ring in advance for any queries there. It's a cosy, more calm place to go compared to the centre of town which can be quite busy and loud in evening. Right next to lancaster castle.

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Ani Howson . 2024-10-02

MORE AT Google

Only dropped in for a coffee but excellent

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Peter Cope . 2024-10-01

MORE AT Google

Food was excellent, I was on soft drinks as driving, as usual they were mega expensive a pint of beer was probably cheaper. Overall lovely place would go again but not drive .....

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Alison Duff . 2024-09-30

MORE AT Google

I really can't belive how bad the food was heavily over salted the potato's cabbage and all accompaniments were awful this was a pre ordered meal for a 40th and totally let the day down I really would recommend looking else where

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Lukey Loo2012 . 2024-09-30

MORE AT Google

Came for a Sunday roast, left amazed at the quality. Even at the price it's well worthwhile. Can't think of a single fault in our entire experience.

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Isaac Richardson . 2024-09-29

MORE AT Google

Nice place to have something to eat and drink and the staff were very helpful 👍 👌 😀

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Shaun Conroy . 2024-09-29

MORE AT Google

The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. A pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

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Neil Barlow . 2024-09-29

MORE AT Google

What a quaint little place. A variety of real ales and beers. The quality of the food is excellent. I would highly recommend this place.

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Lee Sherrington . 2024-09-22

MORE AT Google

September 2024: a beautiful sunny day. We had the Fuzzy Duck Brewery: IPA and Pennine Brewery: Heartland dark amber ale. November 2017: A 17th Century, 300 year old wine merchant's cellar, on Castle Hill. A historical basement pub serving traditional pub food and seasonal dishes. 3 tunnels within give the Merchants 1688 a unique atmosphere. It is rumoured to connect tomthe Castle via a secret tunnel and is said to have once been used as a storage room. Casque Marque accredited real ales, wines and craft beers. Absolutely loved it here.

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Mike773 U . 2024-09-21

MORE AT Google

Fish over done and hardly any Fish mostly over done batter nice chips but everything else was not that nice we were very disappointed

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Deborah Everett . 2024-09-15

MORE AT Google

This restaurant was recommended to us for Sunday Roast and did not disappoint. We had pork belly, and the Sunday roast beef. Yorkshire pudding was perfect - crisp and stuffed with some roast beef. Service was excellent. Setting was historic, near the castle. Highly recommend this place!

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Pam52_11 . 2024-09-09

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The best food I’ve ever had. I have been many times now and just love the Sunday dinner and puddings they offer. An absolute treat and I can’t wait to visit again. The environment is well maintained cosy and clean. The staff are very supportive and accommodated our requests. My only ask is that they offer custard as an option with the puddings but I can’t fault the fact that they made us some up on request. 5 star service and food!

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Simon Midgley . 2024-09-07

MORE AT Google

The best food I’ve ever had. I have been many times now and just love the Sunday dinner and puddings they offer. An absolute treat and I can’t wait to visit again. The environment is well maintained, cosy and clean. The staff are very supportive and accommodated our requests. My only ask is that they offer custard as an option with the puddings but I can’t fault the fact that they made us some up on request. 5 star service and food!

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sibo06 . 2024-09-07

MORE AT TripAdvisor

lovely food, the pepper and hazelnut risotto was gorgeous. atmosphere was very cosy and inviting and the staff were knowledgeable and attentive :)

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Emma W . 2024-09-07

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Great food, lovely staff, prices are higher than the average pub

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Marta Ferri . 2024-09-06

MORE AT Google

Fantastic ambience for dinner. The lamb was cooked perfectly.

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Andrew Shoot . 2024-09-04

MORE AT Google

We both had excellent late lunch, waitresses was very knowledgeable and thoughtful. A well constructed menu, well above what you’d normally expect in a pub. Excellent range of beers, we’d highly recommend this place for food and drink

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Pamela G . 2024-09-04

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Went for the tasting menu which they do every couple of months and the food great, friendly staff and very good service enjoyed myself really well would highly recommend.

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shawn t . 2024-09-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Have been coming here for decades! Great selection of drinks and love the history and ambience. Haven't eaten there in a very long time, so can't comment on the food.

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Willma26 . 2024-09-03

MORE AT Google

Had Sunday lunch - one of the best roasts we have had including many in London! The starter of Mushroom parfait on toast with brown truffle was absolutely sublime; on a par with places like St John, Brat or Quality Chop House in London which specialise in hearty food like this. One of the best things I’ve eaten this year. The quality of the meat (beef) for the roast really set it apart from other roasts, it had obviously been well-sourced and was full of flavour. Nice atmospheric setting and attentive staff. Would highly recommend.

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Paul O'Brien . 2024-09-01

MORE AT Google

I can’t say anything bad about this place. My partner and I were in Lancaster for one night, by chance we picked here to eat, the food was delicious. The staff were friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend it and I will be back again.

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Fiona Connell . 2024-08-20

MORE AT Google

Great place to eat and drink. The food was 10 out of 10.

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Peter Farley . 2024-08-18

MORE AT Google

Nice outdoor area, alcoholic drinks on the expensive side.

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Mick Moore . 2024-08-17

MORE AT Google

I came here with my team and it was a lovely experience. We had pre-booked the restaurant in advance and we had all selected what we wanted to eat before the day, so the chef was prepared. The staff were courteous and everyone was satisfied with the menu (especially the visitors on the team) from the starter to the main course and dessert. I will be back again

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Damilola Folley . 2024-08-15

MORE AT Google

Those onion rings are perfect; automatic 5 stars! Plus the staff are so helpful, really nice vibe in here. A great place to stop off after visiting the Castle

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Becky Watson . 2024-08-12

MORE AT Google

Faboulous food and service, we were very pleased with the evening. The restaurant was fully booked but the staff accomodate us in the bar area where we had all room for ourselves like on the private dinning. Despite them being very busy the service was spotless and with great smile. Higly recomend this place. Also great value for money.

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Magdalena Szczerba . 2024-08-09

MORE AT Google

Excellent meal, good review by Jay Rayner! Well presented and flavoursome, would happily eat here again

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Judith Simpson (Jude) . 2024-08-08

MORE AT Google

Great pub, really enjoyed the thrill and palomino beers

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Robert Milburn . 2024-07-24

MORE AT Google

Great food and drink. If you're visiting Lancaster, I highly recommend Merchants.

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Ian Catlow . 2024-07-23

MORE AT Google

Quiz Night is Sunday Night, so make sure you attend. Apart from that I like how they change the taps, so I can frequently try new ales and ciders. The lunch menu here is also great too, I like the cibatta style sandwiches !

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Olivia Dray . 2024-07-21

MORE AT Google

Great beet, great serice.Riecommend the palomino

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Robert Milburn . 2024-07-20

MORE AT Google

Only had drinks but was very nice

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Col . 2024-07-20

MORE AT Google

Been to the Merchants a few times now and they always exceed expectations. With a unique selection of ales and an ever-changing menu, each visit is exciting. Despite having quite an ambitious menu, they execute each dish I’ve had with absolute conviction and I’m always pleased with my choice. The staff are knowledgeable, helpful and accommodating and the interior creates a very ambient and distinctive environment. My only criticism would have been that the table itself was just slightly too dim, a candle would’ve been a nice addition.

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Harvey . 2024-07-16

MORE AT Google

A sweet pub in Lancaster. Would recommend for a stop in

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Thea H . 2024-07-08

MORE AT Google

Popped in here for a drink after visiting the castle in Lancaster. The building was very aesthetically pleasing being in an old arched wine cellar set below an old building. Inside there was plenty of seating in the large rooms that you would have stored the wine in which looked amazing. The bar was beautiful and served some delicious drinks. I had a local gin and tonic which was very nice. We didn't get to sample any food but could smell it and it smelt beautiful and would love to try on a future visit. I definitely recommend this pub for people who love historic buildings.

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Luke Tarrant . 2024-07-07

MORE AT Google

This is the best dessert I've ever eaten in Lancaster

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nioba nio . 2024-07-07

MORE AT Google

A wonderful first visit here. Amazing food and service. We'll most definitely be back!

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Julia Phillips . 2024-07-03

MORE AT Google

Easily the best meal, service, beer, and environment during our 1wk in the area. Loved it.

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Dan Hernke . 2024-07-01

MORE AT Google

This dining-in-wine cellar experience with beautiful simple and complex dishes just made my day. My intentional yet aimless escape finds its purpose here. Lamb hotpot is wonderful, heart-warming especially on a chilling July evening. The potato slices are soft yet offer a little bite. The lamb is tender, neither too lean or too fatty, and melts in mouth with the diced carrot and potato. The onion based soup is delightful. To me it doesn’t taste too much similar to Irish stew despite similar ingredients; maybe the mysterious Worcester sauce is the key (and/or the lack of Guinness or whisky) in addition to proportion of herbs. It’s also less thick than the Irish counterpart. The portion is just right. The focaccia has an enjoyable rosemary crust. I don’t usually add butter but appreciate the toasting and slicing and even spreading. And the butter tastes of surprisingly good quality, very milky, even after a reception with much cheese. Red cabbage has a delightful vinegar taste with strong presence of fennel. Finishing with a summery dessert in defiance of the chill. First peach in 2024! Earl grey sorbet is really unique. I always like tea and the bergamot aroma is refreshing. The sorbet contrasts and complements the silky yet not too sweet panna cotta. The mint leaf is a great idea. With the honey comb bits, there are so many ways to enjoy the wondrous layers of textures and tastes the dessert ^^ (The cheese board is of such a reasonable price! Cheese usually cost much more than desserts… (I have already had cheese today so I noted the suppliers and their flavors :> souvenirs?)) (I came here to try some Lancaster classics, but the “locally sourced, in-season dishes”look very tempting too, and the starters! Next time I’ll bring friends to share and sample :3 Having been to Lake District already, I decided to stick to the less commonly available Lancashire lamb hotpot, and the 72-hour prefix sounds like it’s cooked longer than other restaurants (though not an indicative of the result). And it sounds popular among neighboring tables— there was a couple with two identical dishes. It is great.) The staff are super friendly. No wonder there are many frequenters. The environment is elegant and intimate, though it could be better with a little music in the background to slightly muffle the many interesting conversations. (WiFi is as nonexistent as cellular, so focus on people, if any, and definitely food.)

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X . 2024-07-01

MORE AT Google

An excellent choice of well kept draught beers to try before the well reviewed hotpot which didn't disappoint. An excellent dining experience.

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Huw and Judy J . 2024-06-29

MORE AT TripAdvisor

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the Tasting Evening at the Merchants. We were warmly welcomed by Joel and the lovely staff. The menu and wine flight pairings were great and gave us the chance to try foods and wines that we wouldn’t normally order. Great service friendly and knowledgable staff and a nice atmosphere. Thanks for a lovely evening :-)

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Michael G . 2024-06-21

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We often eat at the merchants so when we saw the tasting evening advertised we thought we would treat ourselves as it’s not something we would normally do. The food and the service were both excellent. We opted to try the wine flight and it was clear a lot of time, effort and research had been put into this and the food. Everyone that served us was great and we’re all knowledgeable on the menu and answered any questions we had. The atmosphere was lovely and chilled and the setting is awesome - the merchants is a piece of Lancaster’s history. We will certainly be keeping our eye out for future tasting evenings :)

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Emma G . 2024-06-21

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We have visited probably nearing 15 times now and it’s our go to! Food is normally lovely and such high quality. Unfortunately on Father’s Day when we visited there seemed to be an issue with the meat, my beef tasted off and weirdly greasy, my dads lamb in the hotpot was also very strange tasting (he’s had this every time we’ve been so knew it wasn’t right). Our server was so nice and seemed genuinely sorry we hadn’t enjoyed our food. I really hope they haven’t changed chef or supplier because I want to revisit in the future after a little break due to the last experience. Overall I love the place and the staff have always been so good with us, Hoping for a better experience next time

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Chloee . 2024-06-18

MORE AT Google

A great place close to station so friends didnt have to drive and could meet us with a short wlak down the hill from station . Food is good honest food that is priced fairly,

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James P . 2024-06-18

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Went there with 3 friends yesterday around 5.00pm. We are all over 70 and we’re having a drink before catching the train. Have been there many times before. We got our drinks and stood at the bar. A lady with long dark hair asked us in a rather abrupt manner to get out of the bar and take a seat as this place is more a restaurant than a pub. Didn’t actually notice anyone eating but could smell fish strongly. We have had a drink at the bar before and not been asked to move. We were the only people at the bar and were chatting pleasantly. We did move but this lady glared when we questioned why we had to move. She was not welcoming and I suggest she perhaps should have some training or a change of profession .

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Brenda B . 2024-06-15

MORE AT TripAdvisor

A fabulous old pub with a great atmosphere. Really good food and beer.

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Lobefirebear . 2024-06-08

MORE AT Google

A unique place hidden away on Castle Hill , booked online with ease , was running late so rang to alter booking ...no problem ..arrived at the reorganised time we ordered the Haddock ( lightly Battered) and the Lamb Hot pot . My partner said it was the best fish and chips that she has had in a long time and the lamb hot pot ( main menu portion) that I had was absolutely incredible . Service was excellent and I will definitely return as soon as I can .. all this for 32 quid.

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mark stewart . 2024-06-07

MORE AT Google

Great venue, beautiful food, would just suggest a baby changing table in the men's toilets aswell

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Martin Pennington . 2024-06-05

MORE AT Google

Really nice restaurant and bar.

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Chris Hookes . 2024-06-02

MORE AT Google

What a fab little find and so glad i wandered a few minutes from the train station while waiting for my connection. Bar staff were welcoming and humerous. I will be back for more banter

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Mark Johnston . 2024-05-22

MORE AT Google

In last night for the Sunday menu and my first experience of The Merchant... only thing I can say about it is I cannot wait to go back! The food was so tasty! We had 2 different starters and 2 different mains on the table and all of it was spot on! Great pints of Guinness too! Staff were brilliant, professional and thorough! Very knowledgeable on the menu and allergies which is always so reassuring! Already looking forward to my next visit and getting to try yet more dishes!

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Orla Ni Scolai . 2024-05-06

MORE AT Google

Anniversary meal, Wonderful setting with vaulted rooms, food was phenomenal well presented like fine dining but enough to fill you up, will definitely return if we are nearby , staff friendly

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Aggymoo . 2024-05-05

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FOOD POISONINGS STAY AWAY !!!! Ended up with food poisoning. Rang the manager and was Rude to me straight away. Today I received a message from the owner (not a call) you'd think his first words would be I hope your feeling better , sorry for half your meal coming out 20 minutes after getting the first half..... no I got a message saying it isn't them and that he has spoke to his team that's it. Guys stay away from this place

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jackson monroe . 2024-05-02

MORE AT Google

Food poisoning, rude service, subpar cocktakls

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Tushaar Davies . 2024-05-01

MORE AT Google

Beer and pie festival had a great steak pie and loved the taste of Gluten free lamb hot pot my wife had Sticky toffee pudding really nice and good selection of ice creams Enjoyed the brew dog low alcohol beer and Beaverton beer

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Rob M . 2024-04-26

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A real gem in the heart of Lancaster; the cooking here is imaginative and of a very high order, but the ambience is friendly and relaxed. I started with the tomato and burrata followed by the halibut loin, and both were extremely good.

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Alan Boshier . 2024-04-23

MORE AT Google

Pleasant atmosphere with a short selective lunch menu. The food was well prepared, but took 45 minutes to arrive, so be prepared for a wait.

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Lisa Higham . 2024-04-23

MORE AT Google

Gorgeous meal at The Merchant’s last night. Visited with my boyfriend and we both had the lamb hot pot and some tasty sides. The food was delicious, the service was incredible, and the liqueur coffee was lovely! The staff were very attentive and the atmosphere was brilliant, could not recommend this place more :)

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FreyaNiamh2102 . 2024-04-21

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Really lovely bar and restaurant in the vaults very close to Lancaster Castle. The staff are very welcoming, the selection of craft ales is great and food is delicious. Been coming here every time I visit Lancaster and will continue to do so for the trips to come. Due to the vault setting it can get noisy, especially with a large crowd, but if you time it right, it's a great place to enjoy a good pint in a historic and cosy setting.

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Ben Martin . 2024-04-21

MORE AT Google

A wonderful relaxing atmosphere and beautiful setting 👌

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Sandra Flynn . 2024-04-18

MORE AT Google

Just had an excellent meal at The Merchants. Very high quality food, well presented alongside a fine wine and beer selection,served by efficient and pleasant staff.

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Stephen Lynch . 2024-04-16

MORE AT Google

Love the atmosphere. Food was great. Service wonderful. The lamb was very good. Perfectly cooked. Love the history. Very convenient location.

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RL58 . 2024-04-16

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We visited The Merchants for a special occasion and very much enjoyed our evening. The service was friendly and efficient; and the staff were knowledgeable. The timings were also spot-on. With a few small improvements, we could definitely see the venue winning more accolades and awards over the next few years. We had the Korean pork belly bar snack - great flavour - and then our starters were lobster ravioli and braised beef fritter. The bisque and beef jus were particularly excellent. There was a small amount of chewy membrane in the lobster; and the beef crockery was a little cold - but these were very minor niggles. Mains were lamb cannon (morels, goat curd, garlic, romesco) and halibut loin (lemongrass and coconut). Again, both sauces were superbly made and everything tasted fantastic. The lamb was very rare, which was a surprise (fortunately I like pink meat, but it was unusual and perhaps a small oversight). On reflection, we probably shouldn't have ordered sides, as the dishes were generous (nduja macaroni cheese was very large and a little dry; while the charred caesar salad wasn't charred - but the anchovy was lovely). We then shared dessert and cheese - orange parfait and an individual cheese board (locally sourced from the Courtyard Dairy). Both great. The wine was also excellent. While we had a lovely evening, it would be a more satisfying experience if the seating was more thoughtfully split between restaurant diners and pub-goers. As a couple enjoying a quiet multi-course meal, we were placed between a couple of tables of jovial drinkers (there for quick fish-and-chip suppers), which was a little jarring at times. The three tunnels and booking system could perhaps be clarified to make the venue more suitable for all uses. In an era when people are cost-conscious, venue identity is so important to an expensive meal experience. Like many, I used to visit The Merchants in the late 1990s / early 2000s when it was a pub - but in recent years my family in Lancaster have become dining regulars and are delighted by its success. We will certainly be visiting again in the future. (Photo quality poor, due to lighting - apologies!)

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Liane B . 2024-04-15

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Six of us visited on a Saturday afternoon for lunch, we were immediately shown to a table, service was of the highest quality, my friends who had never been before were very impressed with the ambience and the great lunch. Highly recommended

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PaulH598 . 2024-04-13

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First visit and, like many others, thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Friendly welcome and service throughout and a novel, albeit old, environment. That said, the important bit, food, was first class. I'd recommend the duck pie as a starter / side.

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Ian D . 2024-04-13

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First visit and a wow from us on arrival. Cellars are amazing. History fascinating too. Menu very interesting with some unusual additions making it hard to choose … Staff very enthusiastic / knowledgeable and friendly. Choices finally made ~ we were definitely not disappointed !!! Lamb cannon with vegetables was enjoyed too. Even found room for dessert. Will be back soon.

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Debra W . 2024-04-10

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My son treated us to a day of experiences, around Lancaster for my 70’th Birthday. The meal at Merchant’s was on the list. We weren’t disappointed. Everyone’s food was perfect. But my steak was just the way I like it, and it was trimmed. An excellent meal.

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David Hall (Stainless Dave.) . 2024-04-08

MORE AT Google

It was my birthday today and my partner and I had a lovely meal and drinks. The steak was great. 👍🤪❤️

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Diane Peach . 2024-04-06

MORE AT Google

Great food, staff and atmosphere. This place is a must visit if you’re in Lancaster and wanting to get a bite to eat. The menu is varied and I would highly recommend the Lamb Hot Pot, puts Nigel Haworths to shame !

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howardt360 . 2024-04-06

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We had a fantastic time for my birthday meal. The ambience is perfect, the food delicious and service smooth and efficient. Would highly recommend.

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Voyager798774 . 2024-04-06

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This is our number 1 place to visit for good food and excellent service in Lancaster. Visited here a few times now with family and friends and it gets a big thumbs up every time. The new Spring menu caters for all tastes, highly recommend the halibut loin ( delicious) and my husband had the short rib and bone marrow pie which he said was excellent, and he is a fussy one when it comes to dining out. Cannot fault this place. Staff always welcoming and friendly. Very high standard and excellent quality all round. Highly recommend.

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Noodledoodle005 . 2024-04-05

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4/4/2024 14:00 Happened upon this spot when visiting. Lancashire hot pot was delicious, cannot fault, 10/10. Paired with a portion of chunky chips it was the perfect lunch. The staff were very knowledgeable on the history of the merchants which was really insightful and added to our visit. Service were lovely, attentive, and very well informed about the food and drink on offer. All in all totally recommend a visit xxxx

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James C . 2024-04-04

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Regular visitor to the merchants. Fabulous food as always, never disappointed. Such a special little place, amazing food, friendly atmosphere and accommodating staff who are always willing to help. A little diamond in the city for food and a little drink.

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Megan S . 2024-04-02

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Having been to the merchants many times I chose to take my sister so she could try their steak...(I'd argue best in Lancaster for quality & price) Met with friendly staff, warm atmosphere & a menu that promotes local produce, wine list is excellent too! From a local lass who's seen this locally ran business grow for over 25 yrs!

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ingridlK5521HY . 2024-04-02

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as soon as we walked in we were greeted and taken to our seat, great options for GF, the waiter seemed very knowledgeable with allergies which was very reassuring. recommended a lovely wine to go with my meal, i had the risotto which was so fresh and full of flavour, side of GF onion rings (Amazing). and my friend had the lamb cannon, cooked perfectly with intense flavours of spring, the lamb was incredible and everything went so well together on the dish. great value for money and amazing service. thank you cant wait to come back and try the gluten free sticky toffee pudding.

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Becki K . 2024-04-02

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