Welcome to Merchants 1688
Nestled in the heart of Lancaster at 29 Castle Hill, Merchants 1688 is a charming pub that blends history with a contemporary dining experience. The unique setting of old wine cellars provides an inviting ambiance, perfect for relaxed meals. Patrons rave about the gourmet-quality dishes, such as the well-presented roast dinners and locally sourced ingredients, particularly notable in the autumn/winter menu. While the service may occasionally falter, the overall experience shines with flavorful options. From exquisite lamb loins to delightful cheeseboards, Merchants 1688 stands out as a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking a quaint yet vibrant dining atmosphere.
Merchants 1688: Reviews & Ratings
Stumbled across this little gem when visiting the castle in Lancaster would of been rude not to pop in, and wasn’t disappointed was lovely and cosy and quirky
Went with family for Sunday lunch 01/02/25... This is a pub with a difference as it is seeped in history. The majority of the inside is made up of wine sellers / tunnels, which is where customers sit. We all ordered chicken roast dinner, which was very well presented and more of a gourmet type restaurant than pub. I would recommend soup of the day..Sweet Potato and Rosemary... Each of us discovered that with our main courses, a couple of items were overcooked and should not have been served by the chef, which was disappointing and reason for the deduction of one star. Also some of the cheeses you are able to choose for your cheeseboard are an acquired taste... choose with caution! All staff were efficient and professional despite the mentioned food issues. The pub is accessed by going down some steps, into a lower level than ground. Toilets are also accessed by a flight of stairs. Unless there is a ground floor disabled toilet, then there would be access difficulty for both the entrance and bathrooms for people with mobility restrictions and wheelchair users. Parking would be via local car parks in the vicinity. The pub is located within easy walking distance of the cities train station and directly outside if the castle grounds. If you are looking for a pub with a difference, somewhere quaint and vibrant, this is certainly the place for you!
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.
So we had the lamb loin, and the steak fillet. 30 quid for one and 38 quid for the other (with the peppercorn sauce). Pricey but I can say it's the best fillet I've had, and I've eaten from sirloin (a place in Houghton that was burnt down) which had exceptionally high quality cuts. This was insane. Almost disbelief at each bite. Absolute mouth orgasm. The service was quality, had a good natter with Odie who has been working here for 5 years. Cracking conversationalist. The in and out atmosphere of the location is special. Something to prepare for. The dining experience even in the bar section felt like a high quality restaurant experience. Id say that the bang per buck is 200% worth investing in. This place is special. Go here at least once. (And I'm tempted also to look into their taste nights).
Food is amazing whilst being reasonably priced. Atmosphere and decor is lovely. Would easily go again
If you’re going to choose one place, choose here. The quality of the food was incredible. Portion size and price for the high quality of the food was spot on. Location is beautiful, unique and characterful. Staff were accommodating and perfectly responsive to making us comfortable. A rather special place. Inside is beautiful and it’s right next to train station and castle. Menu is smaller than generic restaurants but this is due to the crafted menu which tailors to seasonal food. A high quality place and food without feeling posh or uncomfortable. We loved it.
Service was good and we were attended to quickly even though the bar was really busy when we arrived. The girl serving us was really sweet and friendly. The food in general was really tasty. Burger was cooked perfectly and the toppings were just right. The Lamb hotpot was a great tasting dish. Kids meals were a little smaller but I think we forgot to order the larger dishes. They enjoyed their meals down to the last crumbs. Nice choice of beers on tap. Food took a little longer than expected but i assume this was because of it being freshly prepared. So we didn’t really mind. The dining area is a little small so booking a table would be recommended. It’s a beautiful unique setting and feel to the place. If we ever pass through Lancaster again we would love to spend a little more time here and sit outside as it’s just so beautiful.
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!
Location
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29 Castle Hill, Lancaster LA1 1YN, United Kingdom Hotline: +44 1524 66466
Welcome to **Merchants 1688**, a hidden treasure tucked away at 29 Castle Hill, Lancaster. This charming establishment is not just a pub; it offers a unique journey through history, nestled within the remnants of old wine sellers and tunnels. As you step inside, you'll be captivated by its cozy, quirky decor that invites you to unwind and savor every moment.
Many customers, like Kelly Grazier, stumbled upon this delightful spot while visiting the nearby castle, and have left thoroughly charmed by its ambiance. The atmosphere crafted within these ancient walls really sets the stage for a memorable dining experience.
On a recent visit, diners have praised the **autumn/winter menu**, which features high-quality dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The gourmet flair of the offerings transforms even a familiar Sunday roast into a culinary adventure. Highlights like the **sweet potato and rosemary soup** have been particularly well-received, showcasing the kitchen's dedication to seasonal flavors.
For those seeking a more decadent experience, the lamb loin and steak fillet have been described as nothing short of exceptional. As Peter Mcconville enthusiastically shares, each bite of the steak was a "mouth orgasm," a testament to the chef's skill and attention to detail. The prices may reflect a gourmet dining experience, but the value your taste buds receive is 200% worth it.
While the service is generally efficient and courteous, there may be moments where staff appear rushed, particularly during peak hours. Don’t let this deter you; the warmth of the surroundings and the tantalizing flavors of the menu create a enchanting contrast that is hard to resist.
Access to Merchants 1688 involves descending a flight of stairs into its inviting lower-level dining space, so it’s essential to note this for those with mobility concerns. However, once inside, you'll be enveloped in an atmosphere that's vibrant and alive, perfect for sharing meals with friends or family.
If you’re searching for a pub that offers something distinct, Merchants 1688 stands out as a true Lancashire gem. From its historic charm to its innovative dishes, every visit promises a unique culinary experience. Explore the flavors, soak in the ambiance, and perhaps indulge in one of their infamous tasting nights for a full experience of what this remarkable venue has to offer. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind dining opportunity in Lancaster!