Mermaid in Ipswich

Had a carvery, Jamie the chef was very attentive, food hot and fresh, will be back 👍

The refurbishment is lovely and made the Mermaid look so cosy and welcoming. The staff were all lovely and helpful, which we have not always had in the past. The food was really good. Two of us opted for the carvery and two opted for the main menu. We thought it was wonderful that the very helpful female assistant said she would tell us when the main meal was almost ready so the two having the carvery could go and get there's, so we could all eat together. All the food was cooked really well, which resulted in clean plates and no wastage! thank you to everyone at the Mermaid!

It was my first stay at the Mermaid and it was great. I stayed at the Mermaid because I was working in the area and stopped for the week.The staff are very friendly and helpful, and the accommodation was clean and very comfortable. The food was excellent and the service was very good too. I usually stay at the Oyster Reach at Wherstead but I will be returning to the Mermaid again.

What's not to love about the newly refurbished Mermaid? Lovely food, decor and the most wonderful service from the gorgeous staff, mentioning no names, Rachel ;-)

The food was good, the room neat and tidy, and the staff excellent and very helpful.

Friendly staff. Good food at a reasonable price. Refurbishment looks great including a sports bar. Will definitely go back

Food was nice and tasty. Good portion sizes. Quite expensive for what it was though. Also the table we sat on outside was starting to break. So wasn't as comfortable and didn't look as nice. The staff was very nice and friendly.

Food and drinks are too costly Compared with before renovation for the same food.

Excellent service from Amanda. The food was outstanding and the staff were extremely friendly and polite. Highly recommend

Fabulous staff pub and room clean and tidy as was the car park All brilliant very homely feeling

Two of the orders were taken down incorrectly, we ordered 2 x Hunters Chicken Melt, and we were served Hunters Chicken,so we were charged more, when pointed out we then had to wait about 10 mins for it to be corrected. We also ordered Cheesy Garlic Bread, and there was no signs of any cheese on it, I wanted to mention it, but my husband said to just leave it. The waitress also didn't check if we had cutlery, or wanted any sauces/condiments. We then ordered 2 scoops of ice cream for the children and we waited over 15 mins, and just as were about to ask, they arrived. It wasn't overly busy, so not sure what it would have like if it had been. I asked about a refund when the correct orders were brought to us, and a little while later, a cash refund was brought to the table.

Ordered from the table outside. Drinks came and got no instructions on the carvery, when visiting before we recieved tickets, got nothing this time. When I ended up asked got told to show email confirmation. The staff was 2 busy on phone to even pay attention. The carvery server was extremely grumpy, said "wat do u want" then cut the tiniest pieces of meat even a toddler would still be hungry. Looked like he couldn't be bothered to be there. Ended up having to get pur own cutlery, sauces, etc. The food was awful, tasted like it was from the day before. Ate here before and never been this disappointed. Really not a great visit. Probably won't be coming back any time soon

Thank you Rachel and team for allowing a big kid to have some fun with mini ducks. This duck below decided to take a swim.

We were a big group of 40 and we were really impressed with the efficiency thank you to all the staff especially Kyron

me and my family came here for dinner, a table of 20. service was brilliant from start to finish and food was amazing. our waitress rachel was lovely and so helpful

Enjoyed a pre theatre meal with friends.

Carvery wasn't very hot & not much choice Glasses were all dirty

Thank you for fantastic meal today for our 2 friends and my wife and myself we have been to mermaid many times, this is first time since latest referb, very impressed thoroughly enjoyed our meal . Today 2nd March 2025. Staff were all excellent, must also praise young lad on the carvery very highly on his attitude, customer service, very polite ,and very thoughtfulness attitude. Staff also have improved although they were good previous so well done ,think lad on carvery was named Jaylen 10/10 Also deserts were excellent after carvery

Food was great. Jalen on cavery was very friendly and made good recommendations. The rest of the staff was also friendly didn’t catch names though. Service was quick.

Excellent breakfast Great service

They now allow dogs inside, reasonably priced.Friendly service from both Shanelle & Beck's, disappointed that we now have to sit in the bar as we have a dog because the seating is not as comfortable for my disabled wife

First time we came Ipswich was playing at home so it was very crowded and noisy plus carpark was full . Decided to try again when there wasn't a match but we were seated in the bar as we had our dogs with us so we were surrounded by tvs blaring out making it difficult to talk also right by a pool table that was in constant use. Not really the ambiance we wanted out for a meal with friends. Despite the good carvery which we did enjoy and the good service we won't ever return. The tvs were very intrusive and completely spoiled our experience. I noticed there were tvs even in the dining area so it wouldn't have been any better for us in there.

We as a family of 6 went to mermaid Ipswich yesterday. It was absolutely phenomenal. service was impeccable. Food was outstanding. You can order from your table with a qr code or at the bar. Staff were so kind and helpful. Waiting time wasnt long on dinner or dessert. Really enjoyed our evening. The setting was lovely. Its been done amazing 👏 such friendly kind staff. Cannot fault at all. Will definitely go again. Highly recommend 👌

Fabulous team led by a fantastic manager. Our stay couldn’t have been better. We stayed here for the Ipswich v Tottenham match on Saturday. We hadn’t realised we needed to reserve a table for pre match drinks as this place is stones throw from the ground therefore extremely busy, however, the team found us a table in the restaurant area and couldn’t have been more helpful or accommodating. The food was nice and well priced, breakfast was delicious! Considering how busy the place was, service was exceptional. The rooms are a good size and very clean and comfortable. Would definitely stay again and highly recommend.

Went into the newly refurbished "pub" part of the establishment to see how it is. The seating and decor are good, service was unnatentive mainly due to staff chatting, I take into account it was the dead period just at the start of premier league match and staff were being given their breaks. The cask ale Marstons Pedigree was very good and although not cheap, also not expensive by modern standards. My main reason for a 3 star rating was the excessive volume of the TV screens showing the rugby. Overall not somewhere I will visit often.

Good stay in the hotel and amazing food (full English) in the pub! Nice service too.

I l6ive the Mermaid! Carvery is great. Great carvery server on this day - smiling, pleasant, jovial. This makes all the difference. Great staff generally.

Overall experience was great, staff very friendly and welcoming, Although ordered the cowboy burger with no cheese, it came out with cheese, asked Liam to change it but then came back with no bacon.

Arrived without having reserved table and welcomed by staff. Food was so much better than when we were here last (over a year) onion rings get top marks from us. Cowboy burger stayed hot until I'd finished ✅. Ambience looks so much cleaner, brighter and welcoming

Excellent meal and friendly helpful staff, thank you jalen, Shannon Liam Sofia and Karon

The mermaid staff I have always found them ery friendly , they welcomed us at the door took us to out table told us how to order food what Was good they came told us the food from the menu was bout to come out so carvery people could then go get there food great idea meant we could all eat together, Some came checked see everything was OK Staff serving up the carvery are also very friendly, food looked nice and presented Bar staff nice to food selection of drinks. We loved the new refurbished mermaid with bar area completely separate and the children's area gone look much nicer outside looks good for summer 😁

Great atmosphere, lovely food reasonably priced and the staff were very, very helpful

A whole new experience here after their refurb, the place looks great. Came in for a carvery, the food delicious and the gentleman serving so friendly. Made the atmosphere all the better which was enhanced with live music in the bar area in the background. We ended up staying for a few drinks enjoying the day. Would highly recommend for a chilled Sunday funday.

Great new refurbished, friendly staff, we’ll be back

We came because of football,booked in advance as otherwise we wouldn't get a table. We didn't need allocated hour and a half, you could get more customers for lunch with a reduced timeslot.foid good as always

Really lovely meal. The pub has just had a refit so it is super smart. Staff all very friendly and helpful, William was particularly helpful.

Great service and a great atmosphere. Ryan on Carvey was a delight 😊

Absolutely gorgeous roast, love the new decor,staff very friendly and efficient

The new look is pretty awesome; there is a space for everyone! The staff were fab. I encountered staff at the bar, servers, and the carvery station and they all showed genuine care which was so refreshing. We had a muddle with one of our table's orders but once this was rectified, all was forgiven because it was delicious food. Just wish my dog wasn't such a plum because I'd LOVE to enjoy that pets welcome section!

Brill place to eat n great service too xx members of staff would let us take pics to. Before and after refurbishment pics

Went today for re opening following the refurbishment, really nice vibe with tasteful decor and service from Amanda and William was first class . Great food , brilliant service and the place looks great

Great place very central to where we needed

My family and I had a great time there! The food was amazing, friendly and knowledgeable staff, nice and relaxed afternoon. Can't wait to go back there after the refurbishment - really looking forward to it

this pub is amazing for family and friends, me and my family had a great meal with great atmosphere. staff and managers were very helpful and poliet, definitely will be visiting again!

A great pub with a nice atmosphere, me and my friends always have a great time here definitely recommend if you’re in the area.

Great pub ! Felt very welcomed as soon as I entered the place ! Great staff and lovely food . I would definitely recommend :)

The place is closed until the 14th February. We have booked the hotel. Would have been nice to have known that there is no food and drink

Everything good, A bit more expensive than other places.

Waited a long time for food, despite the quietness of the place. Onion rings floppy, steak far too over cooked. Avoid

Enjoy a good burger there regularly, and the staff are always welcoming and friendly. Looking forward to going back when the refurb is complete!

Great place to visit. I will definitely come back and visit The Mermaid Team and eat the delicious food

Always happy to visit the mermaid carvery food was excellent and chef Akhil very nice friendly always coming in pub

Most beers and lagers not available. Staff emptying shelves and fridges, looked like they were running off before the bailiffs turned up at 2100. Disgraceful.

We arrived at 12 for lunch before going to the pantomime. The Mermaid staff were friendly and welcoming, the food was delicious and delivered speedily, the background music was unoffensive and allowed us to chat easily.

Omg it was fantastic for me as I suffer with salicylate intolerance. I normally end up with the same old meal when I go out. The cheese potato and leek pie was amazing and my friend so enjoyed his lasagne. The service was helpful and friendly as I asked about mustard in the pie.. was told it was online but if I had a problem she could help, at the till once more when ordering put no mustard and the staff when delivering meal once again assured me no mustard. It was so delicious

My family and I are visiting from Mexico and we are staying with some friends. The other night we went out to eat, which is something we don’t do often due to rising prices. My friend, George, said we should go to the Mermaid as he had a few good experiences there. I had been there before when here on business and I remembered it was good. It was pretty busy, but manager Mike Glasper assisted us when we needed help. He was really nice and I was impressed a manager was actually out helping people. Great guy, great service! (Food was pretty good too!)

We come here every so often for the sole purpose of the Carvery. When we do I take full advantage of the ‘large’ and then i always go for the ’extra’ as I’m a hardcore carnivore i fukken love meat. Whereas my missus has the regular. Our meals are always top quality and cooked well with no complaints. The staff are friendly and it’s always nice to have a chat with the guy on cutting and serving the meat. A real nice atmosphere with all kinds of people chatting and having a good time.

Always happy to visit The Mermaid. Food always really good, and who doesn't love a carvery? Staff friendly, and attentive especially Michael he always makes us feel welcome. Can't wait to return after the referb!

Took my mother and father in law for breakfast and had a lovely time the cooked breakfast was delicious and being able to add cereal etc was just fantastic Fantastic service one our fave places for family breakfast

Went for a family meal, Michael was very lovely and attentive. Food was delicious, highly recommend.

We were let down when our booking fell through at another venue, and found ourselves at The Mermaid in Ipswich. The vibe was amazing, and the food was fantastic (recommend the carvery). The staff were friendly and super knowledgeable about the menu. I would like to single out Michael Glasper, and thank him for going above and beyond, welcoming us at very short notice squeezing us in, and making sure we felt comfortable throughout our visit.

Nice family friendly restaurant and the staff made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in the door. Michael was really helpful and cheerful with two elderly diners dithering over what to order! Thank you.

Lovely friendly pub excellent for pre-football visit

Very good service from the staff. The vegetarian omelet was excellent. The pub is always clean; I have been there several times since coming to England.

What a delightful breakfast, perfectly cooked and great value in a pleasant environment. Brilliant staff, polite, welcoming and above all cheerful- which unfortunately is not always the case elsewhere.

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

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

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.

Very friendly staff and quick service

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

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

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 👌

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.

Great breakfast selection with friendly, efficient staff.

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.

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.

Always very good,staff very accommodating

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Not a marvellous buffet, place seems to be understaffed