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Londonderry

Europe

United Kingdom

Nestled in the vibrant heart of London’s Shoreditch, Merchant's Tavern offers a compelling blend of contemporary elegance and rustic charm. This modern European restaurant is renowned for its inviting atmosphere, where the warmth of the fire and the stylish warehouse-inspired decor create an ideal setting for both casual dining and special occasions. With a reputation for excellent service and a menu that celebrates seasonal ingredients, Merchant's Tavern is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking a memorable culinary experience.

Explore the vibrant Shoreditch neighborhood

Merchant's Tavern excels in delivering a modern European menu that highlights seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The dishes are crafted with finesse, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures that cater to diverse palates. Standout options include the crispy pork belly, renowned for its tender meat and perfectly crispy crackling, and the fried oysters, which are a sensory delight with their golden, crunchy exterior and succulent interior. The menu also features an array of thoughtfully curated wines and inventive cocktails, perfect for pairing with your meal.

A visit to Merchant's Tavern promises a culinary journey through expertly prepared dishes like the tender pork belly with crispy crackling and the exquisite fried oysters, which are a testament to the chef's mastery. The restaurant's commitment to seasonal ingredients ensures each dish is fresh and flavorful, making every meal a highlight. The cozy yet elegant ambiance, combined with attentive service, elevates the dining experience, making it a perfect spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings.

Merchant's Tavern is renowned for its expertly crafted modern European cuisine, especially its crispy pork belly and fried oysters, served in a stylish and welcoming setting.

To enjoy a sophisticated yet cozy dining experience with seasonal dishes, excellent service, and a lively atmosphere in Shoreditch.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Merchant's Tavern’s signature dishes like the crispy pork belly with its perfect balance of tender meat and crispy skin, and the fried oysters that offer a delightful crunch and briny sweetness. The restaurant’s commitment to seasonal ingredients ensures each plate bursts with freshness and flavor, making every visit a culinary delight. The warm, inviting ambiance coupled with attentive service makes Merchant's Tavern a top choice for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable dining experience in London.

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Very friendly and professional staff, excellent food, great place all round!! 
I went there with a group of friends and we had booked a room downstairs for our party. Service was on point and our 3 course meal was brilliant! 
The main room of the restaurant looks great too with comfy seats and elegance. 
It's very likely that I will go back there in the near future :)

4cd9bb44-469c-477d-94da-bf8feba66fc3

I've eaten here twice and both times were pretty decent.
The first time, it was very busy and we had no reservation but were accommodated really nicely to the bar at the back by the kitchen which was perfect and warm for us. Our server was casual and relaxed but very attentive in her laid back way. She guided us to the perfect wine and made some nice suggestions.
The second time, we walked in around 5pm and had a glass of wine with a few bar snacks. We had the squid, crispy pork and some chips. Again, the waiter on shift was very helpful in finding the right wine.
This is a comfortable place with competent wait staff. Nothing pops out as absolutely amazing but yet nothing was remotely disappointing.

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This moody red bar is a great spot for a drink between dinner and clubbing. With a fire in the entryway and a host with an accent (French? Italian? It was too loud for me to tell), The Merchant's Tavern did a great job of welcoming and retaining customers on such a blustery January evening.

We sat at a high table with stools behind the bar, which was great for carrying on a conversation--with the added bonus of not being in the way, as some tables seemed to be.

The drinks were pricier than I would have expected, and the snacks weren't on point that night. I wasn't in the mood for fancy spiced cashews, prawns, or other Spanish appetizers: I would have liked something potato-based. My friend says they propose oysters on occasion.

In keeping with the posh theme, they also provide hand cream in the bathroom downstairs--great for those cold wintry nights that weather your hands.

2126d4cc-f1c2-48aa-ad37-7b605777099d

After much procrastination, I finally had dinner at Merchants Tavern for a Saturday evening dinner.
I've seen some good reviews on it, and was excited to try it for myself.
We were nicely seated at a quiet corner at the back of the dining room, with a good view of the place as well as the open kitchen at the back.
We started off with the fried oysters, which were gorgeous, and the quail dish (also very tender and delicious)
I ordered the pork belly as my main, because I LOVE pork belly, and this dish definitely lived up to my expectations - delicious tender meat, without being to fatty, and a lovely crispy crackling. My cousin ordered the venison which was also very nice and tender.
As for dessert, I'd recommend the Mont Blanc, and the ginger loaf was equally tasty.

I've noticed that the previous reviews on here have been quite negative, maybe because that was during the soft launch period, which may be understandable. But they've been open for a while now and I can assure you that it is worth a visit.
Overall, great food, service and ambience. 

Full blog post with photos here: http://dancing-in-high-heels.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/merchants-tavern-36-charlotte-road.html

1f4a89eb-695c-4441-8d72-bce0f4eab070

Nice cozy place for drinks or nibbles.  No gluten free options :-( by very yummy food !!

6a5f8678-b57a-4316-afd6-c2301b8c2597

Great food and good service even when the kitchen was "under fire" on a busy Tuesday night.  Vegetables were farm fresh.  The chili cured trout was amazing, as were the meat dishes (pork chop and steak) that we tried.  The pastas were very nice as well.  We will definitely be back next time we are in London.

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Sorry, but I can't bring myself to give you more stars.  I know I should give you another chance, but I really can't stand appalling service in restaurants like these.

When we went, everything was 50% off, as it was during their soft launch.

However, we weren't allowed to sit in the dining area (despite it being 75% empty).  No matter, we thought - we'll order at the bar.

Sat down at the bar, and we asked the waiter for menus.  We also asked for the dining menu (in addition to the bar menu), to which he kindly obliged.

Minutes later, what appears to be the manager hastily grabs our waiter and gives him a thorough dressing down in the back of the restaurant.  The manager then hurries over, and says gruffly, "I'm sorry, I can't offer you the dining menu" and stomps off.

At the end of our meal, the manager still had the balls to come ask us what we thought of the food.

47423b33-465a-4238-827f-6634bf82145e

Fantastic restaurant in Shoreditch.
I don't know what was here before but it's a huge space that is perfectly laid out with a warehouse feel and partially glazed ceiling section. There is a bar in the front area with friendly bar tender who knows his stuff. Cocktails, wine and beer on offer. The dining area extends rearwards towards an open kitchen at the back, a mix of tables and banquettes. It just felt like one of the most comfortable and relaxing restaurants I've been to in ages. I think they've got the design just right.

The menu is well crafted and a classic menu with starters, mains, sides and desserts with a few extras such as 'sharpeners' and larger meat dishes for sharing (thankfully NOT a menu of small plates).

Our group started with some deep fried oysters. Oh yeah. These were so good, we wanted more but held back to save room for the rest of the meal. Also sampled pig's trotter on toast and dressed brown crab.

For starters I enjoyed gazpacho with shaved fennel followed by brill with borlotti beans, mushrooms, anchovy and bread sauce which was just excellent.

We shared a selection of delicious deserts which were well balanced between sweet and tart (roasted plum and almond sponge) and not too rich.

Service was friendly and informal and just right.
This will be a go to place that I will want to bring friends to in the future. 

***
I see one or two negative reviews below here but looks like they are just bitchin' about not getting some sort of half price soft opening offers but don't let that deter you.

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Came here on a Sunday and got the £25 for 3 courses deal- a lovely small plate of baked beets and root veggies with foie gras, amazing pork belly with 3 pieces of roast potatoes (could've done with more), and an okay serving of Chocolate spice cake.

Very comfortable seating, I was able to get a table pretty easily. It was actually quite vacant when I was there compared to Princess of Shoreditch down the road.

Overall solid place.

13e20e8d-1ef9-4191-b809-4da109829c40

Loving this place!  Not the cheapest of nights out but, if you fancy treating yourself I'd recommend.

Booked in advance to secure a table on a Thursday night so recommend that!  The bar area was lively with people, stopping for a pre-dinner drink.  Live DJ playing a variety of tunes.  Buzzing atmosphere and engaging bar staff.  So to the cocktail menu.  Not your normal cocktails listed so encouraged to try something different.  Service was swift and cocktails yummy.  Slipping down far too easy. 

Soon to be shown to our table.  The restaurant area is to the back of the bar.  Great seating, spacious so not on top of each other or aware of peoples conversation.  Open kitchen so you can see the food being prepped.  Always feel better for that!

Waiting staff were polite and engaged in conversation accommodating requests with ease and not made to feel that it was a hassle.

Food was tasty.  I had the fish which was well cooked.  One of those meals where you feel you may not get full but I did.  full of flavours and washed down with a good wine.

Dessert options were good (important part of the menu) with a great selection to choose from.

Merchants Tavern is not the cheapest of places but you get good quality food and great service.  Atmosphere was good and really enjoyed the night.

Will save up to come back soon hopefully ;)

Merchant's Tavern in Shoreditch, London - Modern European Cuisine & Cozy Atmosphere

Embark on a culinary journey at Merchant's Tavern, a modern European restaurant nestled in the vibrant heart of Londonderry. Known for its innovative dishes, cozy yet elegant ambiance, and a commitment to quality, this spot is a must-visit for food lovers seeking a memorable dining experience.

Kick off your meal with an array of exquisite starters such as deep-fried oysters, pig's trotter on toast, and dressed brown crab. For those seeking a refreshing start, the gazpacho with shaved fennel offers a cool, flavorful bite while the baked beets and root vegetables with foie gras provide a rich, earthy taste.

Discover Merchant's Tavern in Londonderry for a vibrant dining experience in the heart of the UK. Savor inventive cuisine and lively ambiance—reserve your spot now!

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