THE FAT CRAB STRATFORD — Restaurant in London

I had dinner at Fat Crab in Stratford for a catch-up with the girls right after the festive season. It was quiet when we went, which we didn't mind. The service was attentive, friendly, and helpful. We asked for recommendations, and they provided great feedback, explaining how the menu works and how we could incorporate different dishes.

I opted for the crab, mussels, and chips. The food was served in a bag without plates, and the tables were covered with disposable tablecloths. We were provided with all the necessary tools to tackle our meal, which was a unique and fun experience. The food was nice but understandably messy. I wouldn't necessarily choose this place for a first date unless you're comfortable with the messiness or don't mind wasting a bit.

The playlist was fantastic, especially if you enjoy RnB (not sure if it's the usual, but we loved it). There's a sink in the restaurant by the bar to wash your hands before and after eating, and they also provide gloves. There are only two bathroom cubicles (from what I saw). It's a short walk from Westfield, heading towards the international train station.

Would I go again? If I was in the area and fancied it, sure! But experienced once so wouldn't...

Was told the crawfish was alive before cooking. Although I have no proof they were dead the tail meat and insides were grey and dry. I asked the server a second time if they were alive as when opening a few they didn’t look right and he reassured me they were fresh and alive prior to cooking. Had to order a second bag with just prawns as they were fresh and tasted good. I should not have paid for the bag of crawfish although I did as they were not fresh and have the potential to give food poisoning. Will not be returning and do not recommend. Total bill was £375 for 10 diners not including drinks 6 adults 4 children. More than a little extravagant when the best things eaten were “potatoes and prawns”.

Explanation for the ratings: Food: 2 star: crawfish not edible, prawns were fresh.

Service: 2 stars: would have been higher but the lying about the crawfish being fresh and not offering to remove from bill has lowered to 2 stars. Yes, I still paid for the crawfish, I did not ask for the crawfish to be removed from the bill.

Atmosphere: 5 stars: quiet family friendly environment.

Would be grateful for a response by owner or management to clarify if the crawfish is actually alive...

I’ve been here twice, on both occasions the food was okay - first time around, I had gotten the snow crab with mussels, corn and potato in the ‘whole shebang’ flavour in ‘hot’. The flavour was way too tangy and quite frankly, ruined my meal. Unfortunately the potato’s were raw. The mussels were really good and so was the corn.

On the second time around, I went with a lot more people hoping the first time was just a blip. I had gotten the snow crab with mussels, potato, corn and half a pound of prawn in the garlic butter flavour as well as the lobster with potato and corn in the Cajun flavour all in medium spice. Unfortunately, the lobster was way too overcooked, it was almost impossible to chew on. The mussels and corn were great, however the flavouring was quite bland and oily. The potato was still raw :(

The service was okay. Initial first impressions were decent, however upon ordering extra garlic butter and Cajun sauce on the side, the staff were completely unable to differentiate between the two. I was told they had given lemon pepper and Cajun in medium, and was then told they couldn’t differentiate between the flavours without tasting it. This was quite...