MERLINS REST - AN EX-PAT HOME
Here you’ll find the basics about the Merlins Rest: hours of operation, a map by which to get here, information on the management, and a synopsis of our story. Need to drop us a message? Contact us here or call +1 612 216 2419.
HOW TO FIND US
Merlins Rest sits comfortably on the corner of E. Lake St. and 36th Ave. in Minneapolis (about one mile along Lake from the Mississippi River). We’ve got FREE wi-fi, good food, tasty pints and one of the Cities’ best whisky stocks.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday - Thursday: 4:00 pm - 1:00 am
Friday: 3:00 pm - 1:00 am
Saturday: 12:00 pm - 1:00 am with brunch served 12:00 - 2:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am - 1:00 am with brunch from 10:00 am - 2 pm
MANAGEMENT
Proprietors: Lee Tomlin (England) and John Dingley (Wales)
Minister of Culture: Bill Watkins (Ireland / Wales) - Read about him on his page within the Merlins Rest site. He designed the pub’s interior (and has designed other pubs), has published three books, traveled extensively (including years of Melvillian vagabonding while at sea), etc., etc. A good cat, that Watkins.
A SHORT VERSION
OF OUR STORY
Merlins Rest was founded by a couple UK ex-pats, Lee Tomlin (England) and John Dingley (Wales), friends with backgrounds in disparate subjects such as traveling, music, masonry, glass-cutting, birding and enjoying some of the world’s best pubs. (Be careful about mentioning Builth Wells, Wales around Dingley! You’ll be in for a joyous but lengthy thesis.) Our friend, the writer Bill Watkins, pitches in on cultural events and day to day fun, and he brings with him his own ex-pat background (Ireland, England and Scotland) from his youth, years of sailing, and years as a musician and film-crew regular.
The pub combines elements from Lee, John and Bill’s travels, their best memories of home, and homages to three types of merlins: Merlin the Wizard (whose lore is known throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland), the merlin bird, and the Merlin engine that powered the famed Spitfire aircrafts that saved Britain in World War II.
The pub, like its owners and patrons, is a work in progress, evolving with the new experiences and histories introduced and shared with us daily. We hope you’ll share your story too.
Great to see you’re open! Can’t wait to stop by!
Nice site, Chris! See you all Saturday, en-kilted. Keith - try to stay upstairs this time.
Eric
Aaron: Thanks for popping by the site! Come back often for the updates–but better yet just come on up to the pub. =D
Eric: Thanks for the good words. As for Keith, you can’t stop him. You can only hope to contain him.
John & Crew,
I stopped in early evening yesterday with my friend Jennifer and we were pleasantly suprised with the cleanup of this old bar and loved the pub decor of your establishment, we were very impressed to say the least! We are hoping to stop in soon! Hopefully for the grand opening and I am passing the word around regarding your opening night on Saturday.
Sincerely,
Sunny
Really wonderful note, Sunny. Thanks for that. You’ve got fans! US. Lookin’ forward to seeing you and your crew soon,
The Merlins
Have you not been reading the newspapers?
Profiling is illegal.
Oh, wait. Different definition of profile.
NEVER MIND!!!
John - We’re putting your comment (and its immediate retraction) in the dossier we keep on you…along with the little black & white photo that’s paperclipped to the corner.
-Big Brother
Howdy - great site, great pub. I just moved into the neighborhood and I’m excited to have a solid place to go for a drink. Also love the outdoor seating and whiskey selection. Cheers! Keep up the good work.
Thanks, Jon! We appreciate your support and look forward to raising a pint with you this summer. Happy days, indeed.
Had a great time at the tasting and plan to return soon.
Thanks, Terry. We appreciate the good words and are really excited about these tastings. We’re having a blast too!
Just a note to say how much I am enjoying the pretense-free open mics on Mondays. There is a good spirit there.
On a beer note: I am a huge fan of hand-pulled ale. The nitro you do is grand, but there is no substitute for the flavor brought out by old-fashioned cask ale. There are a few places in the Cities that do it (Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Great Waters). It would add greatly to my experience there, as well as bringing in another bit o’ the old country to my new favorite bar. It could be as simple as purchasing firkins of local beer (Surly!) and tapping it on a particular night (Monday, perhaps?) as a special. Open to discussing this and helping you make it happen. Email me and I will help you any way I can.
Thanks,
Michael
Best craigh in the cities.
I really enjoyed your pub. I went there last week, friday through sunday. Very authentic, good vibe. Really glad we’ll be living 4 blocks from it soon.
Thanks!
The knitters are coming, again! Hello, we’ll be visiting your fine establishment next on April 11th. Thanks for continuing to recieve us so graciously.
Gwyneth
Its a very cool pub you guys have going there… Any word on pub shirts or other items to purchase?
Hi John,
Its Nikki from Everett’s!! The boys and I were planning on stopping by sometime after work and checking everything out! Hopefully you are there when we come. I haven’t seen you around Everett’s in awhile! Hope to see you soon!
-Nikki