Opening of Mermaid Tavern heralds start of event-filled season

The tavern team have been working tirelessly over the winter restoring and refurbishing the pub ready for the year ahead. The biggest changes have taken place back of house, with the kitchen and staff

areas having a new floor fitted and work benches replaced. The pub has been repainted, the solid wood floor polished, new furniture in the bar areas and several new beers in shiny taps can be seen.

The new doesn't just stop on the surface. General manager Thomas Jones and head chef Stephen Taylor have been sourcing new beers and creating new dishes to make sure this season will be one of the best.

Mr Taylor arrived at the Mermaid in February last year and this year has experienced his first taste of winter on the 'little rock'. He said: 'The down season has been a strange one for me. I'm used to Christmas and the New Year being chaotic and on Herm, although busy on those crucial days through December, I've had the chance to spend some quality time with my family too. Once New Year was done I had to pack away my kitchen equipment and down tongs for two months. It has been a fantastic opportunity to rip the kitchen apart and start afresh. I've had a chance to revise the menus, keeping those Mermaid Tavern classics of Chip Shop and Burger Bar but this year will see a few new, modern and exciting dishes.'