Mermaid Tavern, Herm Islandback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Probably my favourite pub in our weekend on the Channel Islands. Herm is located 20 minutes from Guernsey on the Trident Ferry. Unfortunately for us, it was low tide and we were dropped off at the end of the island, from where it is a 10 minute walk to the harbour and a couple of minutes further to the Mermaid. Outdoor seating was most popular on our visit. You sit in a central courtyard, with the pub itself, a restaurant and a small shop on 3 of the 4 sides. The other side leads to the 'road' (narrow track, as Herm has no cars) and the outdoor toilets. Liberation Herm Island Gold was the only real ale. But they also had 2 real ciders from Gwynt y Ddraig - Haymaker & Happy Daze. Just time to down a couple before the boat journey back to St Peter Port.
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After walking round the island this was a very welcome spot indeed and we sat for a few beers and enjoyed the kid's party - (well done the Lord's Taverners for bringing the disadvantaged kids across from Guernsey for a day out on the beach etc) - and also the deliveries of beer and supplies which seemed endless!! I did offer to test the bottled Badger beers but was told there was a huge queue in front of me !!!
Anyway, the pub is very good with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and it offers a nice pint of Herm Island Gold (from Liberation) which was lovely and refreshing (I ended up having 3 pints). They also had Weston's Perry on draught although I believe this may change as new guest beers/ciders arrive. The pub has a snack bar across from the main rooms where you can get traditional pub grub and coffee etc.. and they appear to do meals all day. It was not packed and was very pleasant. The island is well worth the short trip from St.Peter Port and apart from the walking there are a couple of nice beaches and just clean.fresh air! The service in the Mermaid was good although I think they will need more than one barmaid during busy periods and I'm sure they have. Excellent pub which.as you would expect, caters very well for the tourists. The Ship down the road does not sell real ale but has bottled Liberation Ale.
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new photo on the way, The Mermaid has Changed since the current photo was taken around 20 years ago.
Gone is the pool table and the black painted painted floor and walls, the bar that had been painted a million times and the windows that were falling out.
In is a new cellar, two real ales are served daily 1 is liberation the other is a guest
In is a new floor and nicely painted walls.
In is new furniture, a new Herm granite fireplace new window and carpets.
We still have the warmth of a decent local, we just cleaned it up a bit.
New vibrant menus with local produce were possible and its served 12.00pm - 9.00pm in the high season.
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The only real ale here was the Guernsey Sunbeem which was kept perfectly! Good food. The best place to spend a wintery evening whilst stranded in Herm! Pool table was 40p a go.
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This is a gem of a pub on a paradise island. The interior remains cosy and traditional, while the courtyard outside accommodates the crowds who flock here (via ferry from Guernsey) on fine summer days. A definite favourite of Mikeandjack. Try it! (But don't fall in the harbour on your way home)
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It's pleasant enough - and if you're on Herm you don't have a great deal of choice (abstinence?)...
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Real ales are served, although there is only one pump on the bar. There is a pool table and good quality food is served in teh evenings. There is the slight complication of boats: You must be either staying on teh island or have your own boat if you want to be there in the evening. There are several several boats to the island most days. there are lots of outdoor tables. The geenral feel of the place is a little geared up to tourists, but it's still very friendly and welcoming all in spite of this. A generaly good pub
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