The Crabtree — Restaurant in London

Embrace Riverside Charm and Unforgettable Moments at The Crabtree

During our recent visit to The Crabtree, located along the picturesque banks of the Thames River, we discovered a hidden gem that seamlessly combines a pub, restaurant, and beer garden. This versatile establishment caters to a range of preferences, making it an ideal destination for Sunday roasts, family gatherings, or simply enjoying quality time with friends.

Atmosphere: The moment we stepped inside The Crabtree, we were enveloped in a captivating atmosphere. The classic wooden decor, paired with warm lighting, exuded a sense of comfort and coziness. Whether you choose to relax indoors or bask in the riverside ambiance of the expansive courtyard, the inviting setting sets the stage for unforgettable moments.

Service: The attentive and friendly staff at The Crabtree elevated our experience to new heights. From the moment we entered, they greeted us with genuine warmth and made us feel like valued guests. Their prompt and efficient service ensured that we were well taken care of throughout our visit. The staff's dedication to providing exceptional hospitality added an extra touch of enjoyment to our time at the establishment.

Food/Drink: While we didn't have the opportunity to indulge in their renowned Sunday roast, The Crabtree boasts a menu that caters to diverse palates. From tantalizing starters to mouthwatering mains, their culinary offerings are sure to delight. We couldn't resist trying their delectable fries, which were a perfect accompaniment to our chosen drinks. The bar offers an impressive selection of beverages, including craft beers, wines, and refreshing cocktails, ensuring there's something to please every taste. The Pimm’s on tape is always a winner especially in Summer.

Experience: One of the highlights of our visit was the mesmerizing view of the Thames River. The Crabtree's prime location offers breathtaking vistas, especially during the summer months when the sunsets cast a magical glow over the waters. We found ourselves completely immersed in the serene ambiance, creating memories that will stay with us for a lifetime. The popularity of the venue is evident, particularly on sunny days, so arriving early to secure a prime spot is highly recommended.

Conclusion: The Crabtree truly encompasses the essence of riverside charm, providing an enchanting setting for memorable experiences. With its inviting atmosphere, attentive service, and delectable food and drinks, it caters to a diverse range of patrons. Whether you're seeking a delightful Sunday roast, a casual gathering with friends, or simply a serene spot to unwind, The Crabtree offers it all. We highly recommend embracing the riverside charm and indulging in the unforgettable moments that await you.

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I have been a patron of the pub for a few years now and have seen it progress through several different phases. This is certainly the worst state it has been in. I appreciate COVID has affected the service, food and beverage industry. But there is still no excuse for bad service given that other establishments are drawing in crowds and treating people well.

There are several issues but to name a few:

The managers while appearing pleasant, are unable to recall my group of friends despite us turning up religiously 2-3x every week. We are still asked by the same person who we know by name whether we have been here before. Utter disrespect.

The floor staff are apathetic to customers, and have at times, been seen by myself to be rude to customers who are simply trying to place an order - which can be a tough ask at the current Crabtree given the variety of menus available depending on where you sit.

Furthermore, the staff prefer to not take orders and direct us to the bar as “that is how we ordered our drinks”. It seems hostile rather than helpful as we expect from this establishment. There is no attempt to facilitate a good experience, simply preferencing convenience of the job, or perhaps, following strict instructions from senior management. The key to good service in the FandB industry as I’m sure we customers do not need to state is flexibility and treating the customer well. This has not been the case for the last couple months.

During the Euros, as an example, we were misguided and told we weren’t allowed to switch tables due to COIVD restrictions by some members of staff. All the while, other customers were moved by more senior staff to new tables in clear violation of the rules stated to us. There is often a double standard at play and it is not one that rewards loyal customers even.

I have so much more to write, so much more disappointment at this pub that I have loved for years. I truly truly hope something changes. As I sit here on my bank holiday Sunday and my birthday weekend, in this pub with such a lovely location, vibe and charm, I note the multitude of empty tables.

And the irony of it all, is the actual tables we explicitly asked to be sat on (which have remained empty for the entirety of our pub trip) were apparently “reserved for reservations”. Those “reservations” will continue to dwindle if the pub remains in its current state.

Crabtree lover no 1

Addendum: Attended 7th September

Horrible service 15 minute queue to order a drink at bar Stopped doing table service because good pubs OBVIOUSLY never bring you food to table No front of house - customers with booking left to fend for themselves Incorrect orders and witnessed 10 customers not receiving their food despite the new buzzer system Staff again apathetic to customer needs

Keep this up team!...

Food is good, and the establishment looks the part. However, the service and policy are poor to say the least. We had hoped our first experience here was a one-off, however we were wrong. When we first visited the Crabtree we came for a late-night booking at 8.45pm. We were greeted at the door and the host gave us the specials and left us with menus. We quickly decided what we wanted and waited to be served. We waited 15 minutes before finally flagging someone down and being served, to which the panicked waitress responded ‘oh you want to order food? The kitchen is about to close - give me your order right now quickly’. We luckily knew what we wanted and ordered. We were told desserts thankfully were available all night. Later on that evening after eating a great meal, a new waitress convinced us to look at desserts, even though we weren’t that keen - quoting ‘the sticky toffee is delicious’. 10 minutes later we flagged her to our table to order said sticky toffee, to which she responded ‘oh, the kitchens closed’ and walked off immediately - no apology. We were really keen for sticky toffee at this point and were very disappointed. We asked for the bill, which she delivered 20 minutes later quoting she had mis-charged our bill to another much bigger table and had to sort it out with her manager. We decided this was mostly likely a one-off and figured we’d try again. We came again for our anniversary, and were again, disappointed. When we arrived, there was mayhem at the front door - people with and without bookings, waiting confused and annoyed by the lack of seating process. Finally we were taken to our table - and asked to provide a ‘high-street only’ bank card with no explanation, which we didn’t have and wasn’t stated when we booked. Thankfully despite the confusion we we’re still seated. The service afterwards was rude and didn’t change our minds following our first experience. We...