Family affair at the Mermaid

Lesley and husband James are well-known figures in the local area, having moved to Bexhill four years ago when they took over the Cooden Beach hotel.

In July 2007 they purchased the freehold of the Sackville Retirement apartments, which included the Mermaid, and when the lease recently became available Lesley seized the opportunity to follow her dream and to transform the premises into something special.

Lesley said: "The Mermaid was rented out for a while but that didn't work out so we decided to take it over ourselves and turn it around.

There are some fabulous places in Bexhill but I've always thought there was something missing."

She added: " We've started on a full refurbishment programme with lots of changes and we have key staff who are part of the Cooden family."

Heading Lesley's staff at the Mermaid is manager Havala Fermer, whose dad, Paul, is head chef at the Cooden Beach hotel.

Lesley said: "It's very much a family affair, and I have a young enthusiastic team here who are right on the button."

With a strong management background Lesley was initially responsible for the marketing of the Cooden Beach hotel, and describes her role at the Mermaid as a "support team".

She said: "I am working with Havala and the team to get it where we want it to be."

The changes Lesley has implemented are already evident from the beautifully refurbished conservatory restaurant, set directly opposite the sea front, to the comfortable bar and lounge area, and is the perfect venue for lunch or dinner offering outstanding menus for all tastes and appetites, with a range of succulent starters and main courses, daily specials, light bites, and a children's menu.

These include crab & avocado bake, potted shrimps, duck & port pate, fresh fish of the day, sausages and rocket mash, sirloin steak with green peppercorn sauce, home-made beefburgers, succulent roasts, and what Lesley describes as a "true vegetarian choice" on each section of the menu. An extensive wine list compliments the menu.

No meal would be complete without partaking of a dessert and head chef Michael Veevers' truly scrumptious creations include vanilla bean cheesecake, warm apple flan, and raspberry crme brule.

The bar menu also offers a wide range of sandwiches, baguettes, wraps and 'fresh from the grill' choices such as chargrilled Cajun chicken with fennel and lemon salad.

Lesley said the menus will change with the seasons and, along with responding to customer demands (and using as many local suppliers as possible) she aims to maintain the high standards which the Cooden Beach is renowned for, and above all she wants the Mermaid to be a comfortable and enjoyable place to visit.

Lesley said: "There is a lovely warm ambiance here now which people can pop into at any time and feel comfortable in. It can be as formal or informal as someone wants it to be; either to dress up for a formal occasion or maybe for fish & chips in jeans on a Friday night, or to sit in the lounge area with a glass of wine and wind down after work."

She added: "No one rushes here, it's a very easy place to be. I'm trying to create my place of choice to come to in Bexhill."

Along with a completely refurbished sun terrace, The Mermaid also offers a function suite with a separate bar, ideal for weddings, conferences or funeral gatherings.

For further information call (01424) 734225