The Mermaid Bar at the Wishing Well in Isle of Wight

worst customer experience ever ...made to feel unwelcome as soon as we walked in it was 8pm (they were open untill eleven)the place was all but empty apart from 1 table and four staff at the end of the bar we were asked by one staff member if we were wanting to eat...we had planned to have a couple of drinks and to make a gift purchase ...but i thinking they only wanted to serve us if we ordered food said sure we might have something ...only then to be told by 2nd staff member they are not taking any more food orders and then by a third staff member that we could go and try somewhere else and suggested somewhere !! I decided to make my intention very clear ie to buy a gift set and have a drink or two ( ie spend £££) and the a fourth member of staff then served me the drinks and sold me the gift set we left within twenty mins and do not intend to ever return, could not recommend to anyone

Went today (07/05/25) for our first visit. Had lunch and a cocktail. Food was excellent, cocktail was very good also. Staff were friendly, service was fast and polite. Will definitely go again. There's a bus stop very close and the carpark has electric charging point if needed. We would recommend it.

Visited here when visiting The IOW last year. We were a bit disappointed with the food when we visited then, so decided just to stop for a drink. Lunchtime on a very sunny day, but very very quiet. Had a table outside in the garden (lovely view over fields) Glad we didn’t opt for food as what I saw being served looked mediocre. Shop where you can purchase IOW gin.

We went to the mermaid bar the day before and had a drink and bought 3 bottles of their gin. We booked a table for the next day for 1pm We turned up just before our table was due and, while the place was not busy, we were told to take a seat at a table and they would be right with us. Over 20 minutes later we had not been seen…. Not even to take a drinks order. The staff seemed far too bothered with what was going on on the till system than serving any customers. We left after over 20 minutes and went to get some fish and chips. I would recommend the Cod Father on the sea front in Ryde…. Great service and great food…. Unlike the food at the Mermaid Bar, which we never got to taste! Just glad your gin is better than your bar!

There was an error with our initial booking but staff were helpful and booked us in the following weekend. Staff helpful & friendly. Great food.. good hospitality 10/10

Beautiful location, excellent food (I had moules frites) and very attentive staff. My family have various dietary requirements and intolerances and they were looked after superbly.

We had a fabulous fish and chip lunch. Steaming hot fish in crispy light batter, crispy chips, washed down with mermaid gin and tonic. Friendly attentive staff. Well done all.

Stopped here for early evening meal, quality of food was excellent along with friendly and efficient service. Look forward to returning again in the future.

Without a doubt my fave spot to drop in. For the taster board alone. We gave frequented the Wishing well many time. Always buy a few bottles , or in the case of my wife- shirts) to take home. Cocktails are great. Staff are friendly. Xavier? The central cog has hit on a genius concept Quality Unique look bottles. Professional. Wish I lived near but then I would have a bed there!

What a great spot for food, gin tasting, cocktails and lovely friendly atmosphere. Three of us enjoyed lunch, it's dog friendly and the staff are really helpful. The prawn and crayfish salad was top notch

I took my wife out for a treat at short notice, but the Mermaid received our booking easily, in a welcoming way. The meal, a lamb shank, was served very quickly and was absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked, with very friendly and attentive service. We were so impressed, we stayed for desserts, which also were first class. To our minds, this is one of the best eateries on the Island and we look forward to returning soon.

We had some delicious cocktails then tried the flight of Mermaid drinks served by Anna. She was knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. What a lovely person. Thanks for a wonderful afternoon

Smallish menu, but it's still a nice selection. Everything served was a good portion and tasty. Relaxed environment with order at bar service. Prices seem about as expected.

Yes we waited for the food but, the staff warned us when we ordered that there would be a wait, and it was well worth the wait. Fabulous food, and excellent value for money. The staff were amazingly friendly.

Don't bother, there are far nicer places to go to on the island. Staff not particularly welcoming. Their gin is over priced. The chef likes to get home nice and early so don't expect to get a table to eat after half 7 either!

We had an amazing experience for my birthday whilst on a visit to the iow. Staff are super friendly, great views, reasonable prices and even bought myself a bottle of mermaid gin.

We had visited here last year on holiday, and had a couple of nice meals. This time - what a huge disappointment! Website said the place closed at 9pm. We were there at 7.15 and the place was deserted, 3 people on a nearby table had dogs on their laps & were feeding them off their plates which was a bit UGH. Two of the starters choices we asked for weren't available. The service was half hearted, as if staff uninterested (very young but that is no excuse). I am not convinced my large gin & lemonade had a large measure in it. The food was pleasant enough but nothing to write home about (unlike last year). We felt rushed as the staffer kept coming back to ask if everything was ok. Table next to us asked what time the kitchen closed and was told "it is closed now" - at barely 8.15pm. They then left, which meant we were the only ones in the main bar & eating area. As we were finishing our main courses, we saw 2 of the young staffers and the chef leaving, which then had one young chap who was going round tidying the tables, turning lamps and fairy lights off and generally appearing to being closing up. We finished our drinks, and as we left, he was clearing our table and did not say goodnight in response to our goodbyes. Sad to say it felt deserted, dead and the staff dismissive. My husband made a point that they may not get much passing trade since all the various road closures affect that, but even so it was a deeply disappointing meal. We would not recommend the place and will not return.

The bar staff huddle together like penguins and take no notice of the customers. Too busy talking about their hair and personal lives. No signage to say order from bar and had to basically find menus ourselves. All them staff but cook comes running from kitchen serving the food! God knows how this pub would run if it got busy. The chef done well food was good just need to hire better front of house.