Merv's Kitchen, located in the heart of Loughborough, it is more than just a restaurant. It's a place where we bring people together over delicious meals crafted with love and the finest ingredients. Our mission is to provide an exceptional dining experience, whether you're dining in, ordering takeaway or catering an event. We pride ourselves on our diverse menu, friendly service and cosy atmosphere or enjoy the garden during summertime. At Merv's Kitchen, we believe that great food brings joy and we strive to deliver that joy with every dish we serve. Our team is passionate about food and dedicated to ensuring that every customer leaves satisfied and eager to return. From our carefully selected ingredients to our warm and welcoming environment, every detail is designed to make your time at Merv's Kitchen memorable. Thank you for choosing us and we look forward to serving you soon.

Our Story

From the Hotel School of Mauritius to Loughborough, Merv’s Kitchen has been built on passion, loyalty, and sacrifice.

With over 26 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Mervin Ramsamy’s journey has taken him from Mauritius to Dublin, Staines, Leicester, and now Loughborough. His passion has always been rooted in homemade American cuisine — from perfectly grilled meats to slow-cooked classics prepared over 15–16 hours.

Before Merv’s Kitchen, Mervin was behind the much-loved Blues Bar & Grill in Leicester, which became a fan favourite pre-match pub from 2016 to 2022 and was widely recognised as one of the best destinations for American cuisine in Leicestershire until its closure.

After Blues Bar & Grill closed, Mervin continued the journey by launching Merv’s Café and Bar in a different location in Leicester. This new venture was built in partnership with trusted business partners Hardeep Rai and Kelvin Ramsamy, who shared the same passion for exceptional food and hospitality. What began as a simple idea quickly grew into something much bigger, driven by loyalty, hard work, and a shared vision.

Merv’s Café and Bar closed in 2024, as Mervin made the decision to focus fully on Merv’s Kitchen and his long-term vision of bringing his food concept into well-established pubs with strong locations, great atmosphere, and loyal customers. His goal has always been to create exceptional American cuisine within venues that already have a strong community and welcoming crowd.

A key part of our journey is Chef Ramona Cowling. Alongside her university studies, her dedication, creativity, and love for food have made her an essential part of the team — especially when it comes to desserts, her true speciality.

In recognition of his commitment to supporting young talent, Mervin received the Provider of the Year Award from Leicester College in 2019 for offering work placements to a large number of students between 2017 and 2019.

After the Leicester chapter came to an end, we knew the journey itself was far from over. The support from our loyal customers gave us the motivation to keep going and bring the concept back to life.

In 2022, we found our first home in Loughborough, launching at The Swan with the support of Castle Rock Brewery. There, we built a strong team, a loyal following, and established Merv’s Kitchen as one of the most talked-about food destinations in town.

Now established in Loughborough for four years, Merv’s Kitchen is proudly considered by many to be the best American cuisine restaurant in the area, with strong recognition across Google and Tripadvisor from both new and returning customers.

In March 2026, we proudly began a new chapter at The Blacksmiths — our new home. This move marks an exciting step forward, giving us the opportunity to grow, evolve, and continue sharing our passion with both new and returning customers.

At Merv’s Kitchen, everything we do comes back to one thing — great food, made with care, and served with heart.

Join Us at Merv's Kitchen

Ready to experience the tantalising flavours of American BBQ classics and special themed nights in Loughborough? Visit us at The Blacksmiths or contact us for reservations and inquiries. We look forward to welcoming you to Merv's Kitchen for an unforgettable dining experience!