At Merchants 1688, our Restaurant experience in Lancaster, Lancaster LA1 1YN brings together fresh flavors, thoughtful service, and a space designed for comfort. Guests appreciate our 4.50 rating across 1926 reviews, along with accessible facilities and standout great service and quality.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at Merchants 1688
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Hear from our valued guests
Amazing. I eat out about once a month and this is one of the best meals we've had out this year. I had T-Bone pork and my friend had fish and chips. The staff were great, very friendly and helpful. Prices were fair for what is fine dining.
Wife and I visited for a date night and left absolutely delighted. I started with the King Scallops with smoked tomato dashi, orange, marinated tomato & green strawberries. This was a great combination of the light seafood with sweeter accompanying tastes that complimented each other very well. For my main I had the Lythe Valley Venison Loin with black garlic, venison sausage, red cabbage puree, celeriac terrine and elderberry jus. The venison was perfect but the venison sausage was a big wow of this dish. Special mention for the elderberry jus whicu also stood out for me. So flavorful. My wife started with the beef short rib with roast cauliflower puree, kale crisp, Yorkshire pecorino and pickled walnut. This went down a treat for her, especially with a glass of Chile pinot grigio. For her main she decided on the Barbeque monkfish with maple glaze, muscade pumpkin, kale and pumpkin seed pesto. The fish was juicy and succulent without being overpowering. Again a dish that had no faults. We hadn't eaten an evening meal here before, but had had several lunches over the years. The evening menu was outstanding and nothing like I have ever had in Lancaster before. As for atmosphere, the rooms were full and vibrant. The table service was excellent, with our waiter remembering our request for another pinot right before the main. Altogether we are absolutely delighted with the experience and cannot wait to return. Thank you Merchants.
The cutest venue. Feels like you're eating in a wine cellar. The best French onion soup i have ever had! The lamb hot pot is savory and delicious. Highly recommend.
Our favourite pub in Lancaster. It's steeped in history. So atmospheric. Romantic. Staff are lovely too.
Visited here about 3 weeks ago for a meal to celebrate my daughter's and my birthday. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. We were there on a Sunday. It was quiet. However, when I have visited before, it had been full and quite loud.
Had the Xmas meal, wife pescatarian and gluten free, from ringing to book to the bill excellent service, attentive staff, very accommodating. The food was excellent 3 courses local food served perfectly just enough will go again highly recommended
Will definitely visit again. Very close to the train station, saves having to look for a place to eat, especially if the weather is bad and you're not familiar with Lancaster. The food was wonderful, staff very pleasant and offered good recommendations. Great atmosphere and definitely try the cocktails.
The food here is always wonderful but the valentines tasting menu was exceptionally good! Flavour profiles were incredible and each course was a work of art. The staff are brilliant too!
Really lovely experience here - great recommendations on drinks pairings, lovely staff and food was 10/10. Also a lovely atmosphere and very beautiful venue imo. I had the duck special and my boyfriend had the hotpot - some of the best food we’ve had recently and we’re already planning returning in summer to try new dishes and specials etc.:)
YUM YUM YUMMM!!! You must try the PORK RIB EYE. The Merchants have mastered the way to cook pork for sure because it did not have the smelly taste of pork and it just basically melts in your mouth when you eat it. The fish and chips were amazing. Honestly not overeating it at all. It’s those kinds that are not covered in thick batter nor the kinds soaking in a pool of oil. The fish was fresh, the potatoes were seasoned well, the tartar sauce had capers in them, what else can I say?!? When you have good mains, you know the desserts gonna taste GOOD. SO YOU MUST GET THE PANETTONE PUDDING just imagine a bread and butter pudding but using a panettone. However, the sticky toffee pudding was a tad bit disappointing. When you make your way towards the center of the pudding, it becomes dry and crumbly. Still worth a try if you’re feeling lucky!
Common questions about Merchants 1688
Merchants 1688 is located at 29 Castle Hill, Lancaster LA1 1YN, United Kingdom, Lancaster, Lancaster LA1 1YN, United Kingdom.
You can reach Merchants 1688 by calling +44 1524 66466.
Merchants 1688 has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 1926 customer reviews.
Merchants 1688 features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Merchants 1688 features the following service options: Outdoor seating, On-site services, Dine-in, Delivery, Takeaway.
Merchants 1688 features the following highlights: Great beer selection, Great coffee, Great dessert, Great tea selection, Great wine list.
Merchants 1688 features the following popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
Merchants 1688 features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Free water refills, Healthy options, Small plates, Spirits, Vegan options, Vegetarian options, Wine.
Merchants 1688 features the following dining options: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Catering, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
Merchants 1688 features the following amenities: Bar on site, Restroom.
Merchants 1688 features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Historic, Romantic, Trendy, Upmarket.
Merchants 1688 features the following crowd: Groups, Tourists.
Merchants 1688 features the following planning: Lunch reservations recommended, Reservations required, Dinner reservations recommended, Accepts reservations.
Merchants 1688 features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
Merchants 1688 features the following children: Good for kids, Has changing table(s), High chairs.
Merchants 1688 features the following parking: Paid street parking, Somewhat difficult to find a space.
Merchants 1688 features the following pets: Dogs allowed, Dogs allowed inside, Dogs allowed outside.
Business Features
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