Regarding the name Merlins Rest, Merlin the wizard (Arthurian fame) is perhaps the only unifying element between the history and stories of Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland. And being an Isles pub, it made sense. Plus, we liked the sound of it.
Also, owner John Dingley is involved with the Raptor Resource Project (as is bar man Bob Chapman). They’ve been instrumental in re-establishing Peregrin falcon populations–and their Web site includes camera feeds of ospreys, owls, and other fine birds. And back to the Merlins Rest, a merlin is a type of falcon.
Furthermore, the Merlin engines built by Rolls Royce and used in British aircrafts during World War II were some of the finest engines ever designed and aided the war effort significantly. They were named for the merlin bird.
So you see, many merlins, one Rest.
