The Mermaid Inn

The Mermaid's quiet, unassuming facade looks down on famous cobbled Mermaid Street and although the sign outside the olde worlde black and white timbered hotel says ''rebuilt in 1420'' the cellars are some 300 years older, dating back to 1156.

Its Giants Fire Place Bar with its mighty inglenook and hidden priest hole is a favourite of guests and locals alike offering a choice of wines and well kept Old Speckled Hen and London Pride on hand pump and a choice of bar food that includes filled baguettes, ''Mermaid'' seafood platter, Moules Mariniere, Home Oak Smoked Salmon Salad and home made steak and kidney pudding. These may be taken by the comfort of a real log fire in winter or on the patio under the sunshades in fine weather.

The famous panelled restaurant offers a choice of table d'hote menu that changes fortnightly, house specialities and vegetarian dishes plus an extensive wine list.

There is a small car park to the rear of the hotel where Morris Dancing often takes place on Bank Holiday weekends.