Bottomless ribs, bottomless wings, and all American classics. All set within a real ale pub in Loughborough.
If you’re one for pairing a Philly cheese with a new IPA or craft cider, then it’s time to get a visit to Merv’s Kitchen at The Swan in the Rushes in Loughborough sorted.
AND we’ve got a £60 voucher to give away for one lucky Cool As Leicester reader to head down for a meal and drinks. Read on for how to win.
Many of us came to know Merv from his time running Blues Bar, opposite King Power Stadium, but since being taken over by the Holiday Inn (now The Fox & Soar), Merv has gone on to open his match day venue on Commercial Street (LE2), and his kitchen in Loughborough.
Merv’s Kitchen is based within The Swan in the Rushes on The Rushes in Loughborough town centre. The pub itself is run by Castle Rock Brewery and has been part of Loughborough’s real ale scene for over three decades. Their handpulls are dedicated to Castle Rock and local Charnwood Brewery beers, but you’ll also find a changing selection of craft beer and cider, along with wines and spirits on the bar.
Onto the main menu, and Merv has just celebrated one year since launching his Loughborough kitchen. Bringing all of his Blues favourites with him, you can expect freshly prepared, home cooked food. PLUS, if you’re a big foodie, you can see how you stand up to his challenges with All You Can Eat Ribs every Friday (£22.95) and All You Can Eat Wings every Saturday (£22.95). Apparently the record so far is 17 racks of ribs!
Merv is quick to confirm that the ribs are his signature dish. Marinated for 24 hours and then slow cooked, the meat falls away from the bone. Choose your flavour from their handmade sauces and flavourings; BBQ, St Louis Dry Rub or Jack Daniel’s Honey BBQ, then tuck in.
Also on the menu you’ll find traditional German bockwurst hotdogs, Philly Steak and Philly Chicken sandwiches loaded with caramelised onion, peppers, cheese and sauce, combo platters, and of course, Merv’s handmade burgers.
Plus you can enjoy their monthly Mexican night (last Thursday of every month) and upcoming festive options too.
With a varied clientele from students to real ale drinkers, Merv’s is also family friendly and offers a selection of smaller kids meals, priced at just £5.95 for a meal and drink.
If you’re visiting Loughborough, parking is available opposite the pub at The Rushes, with regular buses also running to the town centre. Plus you can tie in a visit with sampling a few more craft beers too, as Merv’s sits right next door to the neighbouring Needle & Pin micro pub, which is also well worth a visit.
The full menu for Merv’s Kitchen can be found on The Swan in the Rushes website.
The Swan in the Rushes is located at 21 The Rushes, Loughborough, LE11 5BE.
**WIN WIN WIN**
We’ve got a £60 voucher to give away for one of you lucky lot to go down to Merv’s Kitchen and enjoy a full meal and drinks. With the voucher value you could even go down for bottomless ribs or wings. To enter just head over to our Facebook or Instagram profile (enter on both to double your chances) and tag in your wing man. Entries close on Friday 20 October 2023. Good luck!
