Every year we are asked the same question, “When is Rye Bay Scallop week?”
February, notoriously one of the most gloomy months of the year, is always brightened up immensely by Scallop Week. After Christmas it seems such a long time until spring so it definitely is something to look forward to.
Every year we have enquiries months ahead for the dates and what is on offer in the town so we always point guests to the website https://scallop.org.uk. As soon as the dates are confirmed we try to make sure that no one has any holiday booked that week as we know that we will suddenly be inundated with reservations for guests wishing to stay. Most guests stay for several days and have lunch and dinner in as many different restaurants as possible that are involved in the festival.
One guest we spoke to this week has been coming to The Mermaid for the scallop festival for over 20 years. “I love the variation of dishes that everyone presents each year. I find all the different ideas so fascinating. I know The Mermaid source their scallops from Rye boats each year and their order must be huge, because the restaurant is always so very busy. I believe you had The Harbour Herrings singing shanties last year – I hope they will play this year too.” We can happily confirm that they will be joining us once again.
Our Head Chef, Drew King, is looking forward to enjoying his third year of the festival, as excited as ever to be championing a fantastic local delicacy with his amazing kitchen team showcasing four different scallop dishes available both as starters and main courses.
On Sunday February 22 at 12.30 as part of Scallop Week The Mermaid are hosting Rye Harbour Herrings who will be singing shanties and giving the very first performance of a song about the Inn written by Martin Bruce
Image Credits: The Mermaid , Kt bruce .