The Crab

Featured reviews

• G

  Google user

  ·1 month ago

  “I have mixed reviews of the Crab. The outside is quite cool, with some seating, a water fountain and a tap. The inside is the standard Greene King inside, nothing special. You can order online or at the bar. A 3-course meal is £13.95, not bad for a starter, main and dessert. However, apart from the chicken tenders (starter), nothing was served for nearly an hour. It was a long wait. The sausages and mash were good, although I would have liked a bit more mash. The sausages were nice, and the gravy gave it a rich feel. The mango sorbet as a dessert was nice and refreshing as well. Fair play to the person serving us, he was very smiley and did a good job serving us, despite the wait.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·1 month ago

  “When we arrived we was told dogs are only allowed on the hard floor (understandable) where there was only bar stools. Unfortunately my 77 year old mother in law can’t climb onto a bar stool so we had to sit outside where there was broken glass on the floor, so I had to clear that up before the dogs stepped on it. The staff were very friendly and helpful, however there where several items we wanted to order that were not available. Substitutes made we waited for our food and when it arrived I was shocked! I ordered the shepherds pie and veg and it was the most pathetic plate of food I’ve ever seen. The carrots were so shrivelled up I couldn’t eat them and the pie itself looked like and tasted like it had been dropped on the kitchen floor. The peas were like bullets and my partner who ordered the bang bang cauliflower for stater which was still frozen in the middle, and the steak for main which was a really poor cut, mainly fat and didn’t taste very nice. No sooner had I finished my pie I was in the toilet to get rid of it. We did mention our concern to the manager and she did give us a free dessert, unfortunately didn’t have the one we chose 🤣 so ice cream it was. It was a lot of money for very poor food. Staff were friendly and helpful but just based on the food alone we won’t be returning any time soon. Reply to owner: It was definitely The Crab in Shanklin as it’s the only place called The Crab in Shanklin. 🤦‍♂️ My son went in and asked a young man with curly hair behind the bar who told him dogs were only allowed on hard floor not on the carpet. Also just to clarify the fact we was sitting outside wasn’t the main issue it was the awful food that would stop us returning. The managers name was Paula if that helps.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “Popped in initially for a soft drink after walking around the Old Village. Fancied a roast dinner but didn't want a full size portion, so a lovely lady named Paula suggested I have a kids one! It was delicious and just the right size for a smaller appetite. Paula was very attentive and gave excellent service. Prices seem very reasonable and the pub is situated in a beautiful location with lots of thatched roofs.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “Don't think we will be going back. There were 9 of us seated ok. Really basic meals no thought given to presentation with poor quality ingredients. No ordering at table service. Staff were friendly enough. For such an iconic pub the food needs to improve. Great outdoors.”

• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “We had a brilliant time at The Crab Inn in Shanklin Old Village celebrating my nephew’s 21st birthday! It’s such a charming, iconic spot, and it provided the perfect, relaxing backdrop for a special family milestone. The menu and selection on offer were excellent, there was truly something for everyone, and the variety was impressive. Every dish served was absolutely delicious, we were all so happy with our choices and genuinely enjoyed every bite. It’s rare to find a place where every single person in a birthday group leaves completely satisfied! What really made the afternoon was the excellent, friendly service. The team was incredibly welcoming and attentive, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Between the high-quality food and the lovely, laid-back atmosphere, it was the perfect celebration. I 100% recommend The Crab Inn if you're looking for a great meal in a beautiful setting. A huge thank you for making the day so memorable.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “Went there after a long walk and was able to get the set menu starting at £7.95, a bargain! Had a lovely salad and service was quick Sat outside people watching It was nice!”

• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “I have just had dinner at the Crab. Absolute disaster. No salad dish and the shepherds pie was a disaster. I didn’t find any lamb mince just mush with mozzarella cheese topping. Who would put mozzarella on a classic British dish. Won’t be going again!”

• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “Had a great dining experience here! The steak was cooked perfectly and very reasonably priced. The scampi was absolutely delicious, and the starters — especially the kebab and squid — were fantastic. A special mention to Francesca, who served us. She mentioned it was only her fourth day, but you wouldn’t have known — she wa;incredibly,welcoming, attentive, and made us feel really well looked after. We’ll definitely be coming back if we’re on the island again!”

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• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “A delightful meal on a Sunday afternoon Such a well crafted atmosphere, during the visit there was a lovely guitar performance that really tied the meal together. The only downside is the lack of a gender neutral bathroom.”

• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “We decided to pop in for a pint or two as we were staying up the road for a few days. And the staff were so friendly and the atmosphere was really good. So we decided to come back for dinner. And I'm so glad we did! Absolutely superb food. We had a starter and main with drinks for £40 can't beat the food for the price. Our favourite was the starter! With the perfectly cooked scotch egg. And the mains were great. We'll priced. The lovely bar lady couldn't do enough for us. She was so busy running the bar and the food orders. But did a great Job. Thank you to the chefs. We will definitely recommend and return on our next visit to the island.”

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