Mermaid in Ipswich

We had our booking booked for over a month and 2 days before we were due to travel we got a call to say that our booking was cancelled. This really is not good enough. I would have given no stars but there wasn't the option.

Was an amazing night. Food was great . Rachel was very welcoming and always there to help

Great pub with large choice of food. Carvery available every day. Burgers are tasty and scampi is always a perfect choice. Ordered at table and service was speedy. Friendly and helpful staff.

Visiting from the South for football. Excellent fare, service & atmosphere. Hope Ipswich survive then we'll be back next year!

Very friendly staff and quick service

We stayed at the hotel part as needed accommodation - very good value, clean, warm room and very helpful and friendly staff from the pub. Would definitely return when next in Ipswich

We stayed overnight at the Mermaid; had a carvery, which was the best thing I have ever tasted. The family room we stayed in was so very comfortable. Like home, lovely clean sheets and towels. Thanks SallyAnn Ling

Our party of 9 had a great time this afternoon. All the staff were so very cheerful and generous spirited. No loud music so we could all hear each other without strain. Very moderate prices even before the amazing discount code. My carvery plate was piled high and delicious - and there was a good range of puds. Free hassle-free parking too. We will definitely come again.

Very friendly environment. Carvery was very good. Service was amazing. We couldn't find fault with anything

Very friendly staff and food is good.

We had a friendly member of staff welcome us straight away and showed us to our table. Ordering was easy at the bar, with food taking around 20 minutes to arrive. The food was extremely good and plenty of it. We will definitely be visiting again the next time we are in Ipswich.

To cater for a group of 15 is quite an accomplishment but the mermaid were brilliant taking our pre order in a couple of days before made things for us easier as we had more time to catch up then read menus lol Amber at the bar was a great young lady and Rachel kept us up to date of when food was ready and when we could get carvery’s so that we all ate together and Rachel even took our drinks orders while we were eating from us at the table, the atmosphere was very relaxed and we look forward to coming back and seeing Rachel and all the other great staff

We had a large family Christmas meal at the Mermaid. There were 28 of us ranging from babies to pensioners. Our group took a while to organise ourselves but never did we feel rushed or under pressure from the staff. Straight away Rachel came over introduced herself and was great with everyone, checking everything was ok, chatting with the kids and generally looking after us. The food was great - most had carvery along with starters and desserts - there was plenty of meat and loads of veg to choose from. All staff were friendly and helpful and patient(!) and I thank them for making our annual gathering a great success. So thanks Rachel and the team, we will be back!!

Wonderful Xmas dinner. Great food and drink and atmosphere

I know it was Christmas day we attended, but from the moment you walked through the door the staff were welcoming, friendly and had a smile on their face. You weren't rushed through your 3 course meal so they could get the table back. The staff left you too it to enjoy a nice relaxing family dinner. The guys at the carvery were also cheerful and was engaged in conversions with everyone, no rush to get through and move on to the next. Thank you to all at the mermaid it was a lovely Christmas day and thankyou to the team who made the day more special.

I really enjoy booking group tables for this establishment. We never arrive disappointed. There's always such a fantastic carvery and an extensive menu to choose from, even catering for vegan preferences. Highly recommended!

Great food and a great price with friendly staff 👌

Brill place to eat n great service too xx

I originally popped in The Mermaid for a drink,this was 6 weeks ago. It was handy as they had parking. I then had an invitation to meet a family member for lunch. They would be travelling from Clacton so I wanted somewhere easy yo access from the A12. I went on line and booked a table. This was easy to do and I received confirmation of my booking. On the day there was ample parking, and we were shown to our table promptly. There was a QR code on the table for you to order food and drinks. However, I ordered at the bar and again I was served politely and promptly. The menu caters for all. There was a good selection of different sized meals. The food when it came was delicious and the waitress asked if we required any sauces. Whilst eating our server returned to ask if everything was OK. Which it was. We're didn't have room for dessert, but had another drink. The place was getting busy with Xmas parties, but we never felt hurried. We had our table for 4 hours in total. I visited the ladies toilet before leaving,and they were clean and tidy. I would certainly recommend The Mermaid to other people and hope to visit again soon,myself. 10/10

The food was tasty and plentiful. Rachel was a lovely hostess being friendly and efficient. She made sure our table was looked after. All of the bar staff were polite and helpful.

Staff were all lovely, even the chef came and spoke to us to ask how the food was. Food as always was superb. Only criticism I have is not being able to leave a tip when paying the bill! I had no cash on me, I couldn’t leave a tip for the staff that work so hard! Please can this be changed so we as a nearly cashless society can tip your lovely staff. I’d say that’s the only thing I have to critique.

Very friendly staff so helpful lovely place to go

The standard food was good, but you over claim your ability to cater for vegans. My son was given butter with his vegan soup, could only choose from half the carvery options for his main course, and was presented with dairy custard on his pudding. We had the pudding changed to the vegan ice cream version, and were later told that vegan spread and non-cheesed vegetables were available, but these were never offered, despite booking vegan options 10 days in advance. The senior staff tried very hard to compensate with free drinks and discounts on a couple of puddings, but I’d rather pay the full price and know my son will be catered for properly. Don’t offer vegan if you can’t do it properly, and then we’ll know to go somewhere that can.

Great atmosphere and your staff were very helpful. The Feastive Package was a great deal with the roast up to your usual standard, great meat selection. See you again on the 22/12/23.

Rachel and the team were really warm, welcoming and accommodating in celebrating our daughters birthday. The food was good, the service was good, and we'd definitely return.

Great breakfast selection with friendly, efficient staff.

Always very good,staff very accommodating

Really great meal, all fresh and great variety of meats all fresh vegetables and all cooked superb. We had a lovely time and kids kept occupied in play area. Staff friendly and helpful. Couldn’t fault a thing. Will definitely return again soon.

A busy festive environment, all staff worked well together, the manager was attentive and helpful. The chef behind the carvery was fun, pleasant and very effective (as always) My guests and I had a lovely Christmas warm up and will visit again soon. Congratulations on a well run team.

Great food, staff are friendly and service is fast, we have no negative's and we go every 2 months for lunch. We love it

Great place to eat. Have eaten here several times and never been disappointed. On arriving the table was ready, nicely laid out, staff very pleasant and attentive. Carvery had excellent choice of meat, vegetables and sides plus biggest Yorkshire puddings I've ever seen. Good selection of sauces. Super starters as well. Nice atmosphere, plenty of happy customers enjoying a pre-Christmas lunch.

Not a good experience this time - food poor overcooked, very rowdy, children running around opening doors to the playground and screaming other tables were also complaining about it, very cold in the pub due to the children keep running in and out -parents not bothered

Staff are always friendly, food is first class. Reasonable prices and a welcoming atmosphere. Well recommended

Really good carvery and could watch the football as well, one large tv the rest of the pub is without tv. Friendly staff, i like this chain its always good most locations ive tried. We stayed in the hotel as well it was decent.

Lovely food, lovely atmosphere and fantastic attentive staff, who saw to all our needs!

Was there on a day Ipswich were playing!! What a atmosphere!

Not a marvellous buffet, place seems to be understaffed

The food was dry, the Brussels were mushy, there were no parsnips as the chef had forgotten to roast them. The burger and chips were overcooked. There was no atmosphere in the building it felt empty and dark. Staff barely looked at us. We used to visit the mermaid regularly but it has lost its spark in the last 6 months or so.

Had a lovely stay and will stay here again next time I am in Ipswich

Friendly staff, nice food, and convenient location

Good food and company, the service by Rachel was excellent. Thank you 😊

Excellent mega mixed grill last night, BEST IN TOWN! Excellent service too, Leo the barman was a star! I went today (4/6/23) Nicola, Caitlin, Shannon were EXCELLENT, true credits to the brand and business, Charlotte too! Thank you! Rachel is SUPERB, good on her! So welcoming 👍

Won’t be going back carvery was very disappointing, I would recommend going Burger King across the road

We've just attended our work festive meal, and we've had a fabulous time! Great service from Rachel and the team, we really enjoyed our meals! The staff have been very attentive. Thanks guys!

Food and staff were excellent and a lovely atmosphere. The carvery was delicious and no queues at bar or carvery.

Shout out to Rachel was particularly attentive despite being extremely busy. She added to our enjoyment of the evening. The only downside that there was disco and the music was loud so it interrupted our food otherwise it would have been 5 stars

Great value food with very friendly helpful staff.

Excellent service, Rachel, Amanda, Laurie, Amber, Leo, Liam, Jamie & Nikki all were fab. Mistake with the order was easily sorted

Good for a carvery if its steady like most carvery. Friendly staff and reasonably priced. Would recommend

All the carvery was beautifully cooked , no hard veggies, staff very attentive and friendly

Amber, Rachel and Amanda were outstanding! Perfect family meal matched with amazing service! Thank you to the mermaid staff!

Decent enough food with very good staff, has served me well for a place for breakfast or a bite after work!

nice food and easy to call up and book a table. No table service and inconsiderate staff who do not show any manners towards customers

They now allow dogs inside, reasonably priced.

We stayed at the hotel which was lovely! The staff at the pub were fantastic and service was excellent. Food arrived faster than expected and was great! Really happy with our stay and hope to be back.

The carvery exceeded all our expectations. Lovely atmosphere and staff will definitely be back.

Faultless, at a very reasonable price

We were sat near a very noisy family which wasn't great for my elderly mum. Food that had been ordered came yet no one had told those having a carvery to go up. I thought my meal was very well done and my daughter had steak which she said was very tough. It's a good atmosphere in the mermaid but the noise level for us was.too much

Stayed in their rooms. Very friendly staff. Clean, quiet rooms. Would stay again.

Family dinner today, roast was one of the best I’ve had in a long time, staff were so friendly, will be definitely be returning soon.

Popped in for a coffee while I was waiting for my bike to be serviced at Halfords, was served quickly and politely and coffee was great! Pub was warm and inviting :)

Always have a great time, When visiting for a meal or a pint on my way to football, Its a nice friendly Atmosphere, If the weather is good what a way to spend time with friends

Christmas dinner with Park Manor Care Home. First class service, food excellent, everyone had a wonderful time. Thank you so much

Lovely pub, great food, great atmosphere the manager Liam went above and beyond thank you highly recommend

Chanel was a lovely hostess and helped us with all our needs. the food was pretty alright. Drinks also came fast.

Decent pie and chips Nice simple food. Hot. Good service. I like this pub 😀

Party of five booked for family get together. Staff were friendly and attentive and the food arrived in good time and was very good.

Nice food absolutely great atmosphere the beautiful ladies working Amanda and Rachel were great hosts and will be calling again.

Food was ok for the price. We were served by Daisy and Shanelle and they were both very nice and welcoming. Lovely ladies. They were both splitting their time between the bar and dining areas, making sure everyone was happy. Not much of an atmosphere, as we visited at a quiet time. Altogether, a positive experience.

The food and service has now improved 100 fold back to how it has been for many years .Thank You.

Great food lovely staff nice atmosphere 😃 👍🏼

Friendly staff. Good food at a reasonable price. The pub/ restaurant could do with a refresh though. Will definitely go back

I went to book a table for 4 on a Saturday night and was asked to pay £40 up front by the booking system. Was a little miffed by this as always booked before with no fee. I didn't pay and didn't book and showed up at the pub. We were greeted by a friendly gentleman who found us a table. We ordered at the bar and the card machine wasn't working so they opened us a tab. The food arrived boiling hot. The hunters chicken and salad was a bacon and chicken salad, we queried and it was soon changed. Can't fault the food great and piping hot to the last mouthful. Toilets were clean and well stocked. We managed to pay our bill on the card when we were leaving. I'd visit again but I won't book and pay a fee upfront.

I have just sent a letter of praise to Head office! About #amanda #waitress

The staff made us feel welcome on arrival and were really friendly. We were impressed on how quickly the food came after ordering. My friend and I intend to recommend our friends and family to try your standard and Xmas menu. Compliments to all your staff from front of bar to the kitchen on making our first experience at The Mermaid really enjoyable.

The staff are polite and efficient, the food is always good, there's a great range of drinks and all very reasonably priced.

I visited The Mermaid today for a carvery lunch. I really enjoyed the food and pleased with the portion servings too. What contribute to my good experience visiting the Mermaid, was the customer service. I was served by a very friendly,polite and helpful staff member called 'Liam'. He greeted me with a big smile and I was very impressed by his customer service. He ensured I had everything I required to enjoy my lunch and dealt with any of my concerns promptly.I was very impressed by his customer service and made my visit to the The Mermaid enjoyable. Thank you, keep smiling! 😃

The people who work there are so friendly and welcoming and the food is amazing. Proper british food, and well priced for how much me and the kiddies loved it! The carvery was especially amazing, just the gem of the establishment! Clean, tidy and so warm. Will have to try to come back every weekend, as the family just loved it xxx

Absolutely banging food. Went here for my youngests birthday all of us loved the carvery. 👍

My friend & I had a carvery it was just warm nowhere near hot was horrible will not visit again

Fantastic service from Nelly she is the best. I will be returning for my Carlsburg!

There is a group of us who play seniors walking football at Ipswich Town on a Wednesday morning. We thought it would be good to go out for lunch after playing one day and we chose the Mermaid as being a suitable venue. In total there were 22 of us who went along. We were all very impressed. There was ample free parking. The staff/service was excellent (a special mention to Becky), the food was good and there was real ale on tap A number of us had vouchers for 30% off a main meal for up to 8 people and they honoured this for all of us. We will be returning.

We had a lovely meal for my dad’s birthday. The food was good and the service was excellent. The staff were all very friendly.

The only thing wrong today was soggy batter puddings and not much variety of veg on the carvery Excellent customer service

Stayed at The Mermaid in Ipswich for a few nights whilst competing in an international tennis tournament in Ipswich. All of the team I was helped by were great and helpful. Rachel in particular was very friendly and keen to please. That kind of approach to customers is really valuable and makes all the difference. Thanks!!

Good pub food, friendly staff and fair prices.

It was my husband's 65th birthday. There was 6 of us and 3 had the mixed grill and the food/staff were brilliant. Well done

I stayed in the hotel and ate in the pub. The hotel - cleaning staff v good and rooms serviced well. However although the obvious black mould in the wet room was addressed v promptly and well by cleaners I think it shouldn't have been there when I checked in. The rooms are basic for the price but it's close to station and town and short distance to visit family. The added bonus is that the pub/ restaurant is a few steps away from the hotel part. The food in the restaurant is pub fare but reasonably priced , can't complain! I'd like to see some gluten free bread so I could have a burger. Likewisee no gluten free cake / desert. Steak is a bit hit and miss like most pubs. I've had great steak there and not so great. Chicken wings good, carvery OK. Wine is expensive for v basic red wine, but again it's like that in most pubs. Tho have to say Merlot was OK. Overall its pretty good and I'll stay again.

We had a lovely meal tonight really enjoyed it thank you 😃

We had a nice meal on a quiet Monday. Staff was attentive and service was good

We always enjoy our meals both roasts and off the main menu. Staff are friendly and happy to help. The price is great to. Childrens area could be a little better and that's our only slight negative.

Great atmosphere & very friendly staff

Welcoming friendly staff, great food for the price. Relaxing atmosphere. Pub grub 😎👍 good outdoor area..

Went for dinner here on Sunday. Ordered 5 carverys. Chef served all 5 of us when they were clearly out if Yorkshire puddings, so we waited with our meal going cold so more could come out. As we moved across to get gravy and sauces, my son said his yorkshire was cold and when we all checked the rest of them appeared to be frozen. We complained and asked for new ones. The waitress rolled her eyes and said that they all get cooked from fresh and they were nit cold. I placed ine in her hand so she beleived me. All 5 of us waited while the waitress bough out 'fresh' ones which appeared to be soggy and microwaved. (Along with about 4 other people.) We then had to wait for gravy and sauce refill with no apology from staff. By the time we sat down our dinnners were all cold. Half way through our meal, we interrupted twice to ask if we were done, as it seemed like they needed our plates for other guests. Will not be returning. Overcrowded, rude staff and frozen food. Wouldn't even give 1 star.

Food was ok, but we had the most helpful server her name was Sophia and she is a credit to the place and made the visit more enjoyable

A wonderful carvery with a great selection of vegetables and crispy roast potatoes, good choice if vegetarian options too, great selection of larger on tap. Definitely make use of the pool table to catch up with friends whilst watching the footy on tnt sports.

First time visiting with a family group. Was very happy with the carvery. Good choice of meats and veg, and absolutely massive Yorkshire puddings for the price. Thanks to Caitlin for looking after us.

Had a lovely carvery meal. The staff let us know when the the non carvery meals were nearly ready so we could all eat together which was very thoughtful. The staff were friendly and efficient. Had a very good time and the food was reasonably priced, the drinks felt a touch expensive though at over £3 for a soft drink.

Very good service especially from Liam 10/10 as always the food is amazing !!!!!!!

Amanda and franklin are amazing... Very friendly great ppl skills.. made me feel really comfy and welcome... All the staff are brilliant at the mermaid i live in norfolk and come to ipswich to see my bf and i always say can we.go to the mermaid and see the lovely staff xx well done guys xxx