The Merchants Inn
Pubs and Bars with Restaurants
0.5 miles
5-7 Little Church Street, Rugby, CV21 3AN
If you happen to find yourself on Little Church Street, you'll come across this
charismatic black and white timber-frame building, home to The Merchants Inn. Inside is just as charming as the exterior; you'll find a rare collection of breweriana: beer pump labels that cover the beams; vintage signs displayed on the walls, and an antique oak chemist dispensary that stands pride of place in the backroom.
Seated in an old church pew, I chose from the Sunday menu. Homemade parsnip soup with crunchy croutons and a chunk of bread with farmhouse butter was definitely a dish to warm the cockles. After hearing great things about the inn's roast dinner I had to try it for myself and ordered the traditional roast rump of beef served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and a side dish of seasonal vegetables, complemented by a pint of real ale. Dessert saw a delicious slice of chef's homemade chocolate log with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and we finished by tucking into a trio of fine local cheeses served with biscuits, celery, relish and grapes - one of my favourite ways to top off a meal.
The weekly and Sunday menus rely on locally acquired seasonal produce and as such change accordingly. The Merchants Inn is not just a place to eat, it is renowned for its extensive range of real ales and selection of up to 50 Belgian bottled beers as well as traditional ciders, fine wines and Champagnes. So, whether for a drink or a hearty meal, I recommend seeking out this gem.
charismatic black and white timber-frame building, home to The Merchants Inn. Inside is just as charming as the exterior; you'll find a rare collection of breweriana: beer pump labels that cover the beams; vintage signs displayed on the walls, and an antique oak chemist dispensary that stands pride of place in the backroom.
Seated in an old church pew, I chose from the Sunday menu. Homemade parsnip soup with crunchy croutons and a chunk of bread with farmhouse butter was definitely a dish to warm the cockles. After hearing great things about the inn's roast dinner I had to try it for myself and ordered the traditional roast rump of beef served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and a side dish of seasonal vegetables, complemented by a pint of real ale. Dessert saw a delicious slice of chef's homemade chocolate log with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and we finished by tucking into a trio of fine local cheeses served with biscuits, celery, relish and grapes - one of my favourite ways to top off a meal.
The weekly and Sunday menus rely on locally acquired seasonal produce and as such change accordingly. The Merchants Inn is not just a place to eat, it is renowned for its extensive range of real ales and selection of up to 50 Belgian bottled beers as well as traditional ciders, fine wines and Champagnes. So, whether for a drink or a hearty meal, I recommend seeking out this gem.
Open: Mon-Thurs noon midnight; Fri & Sat noon-1am; Sun noon-11pm Food Served: Mon-Fri noon-3pm; Sat & Sun noon-5pm
