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Detail Pages
The Crab, Shanklin
Shanklin
PO37 6NS
Pub Type
Old English Inns (Greene King)Reviews (Current Rating Average: 5½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about The Crab
As described in the earlier reviews, the thatched exterior of this pub in the old village is not carried though to the interior, which has been extensively modernised into fairly featureless eating areas. The bar is to be found up a level, serving GK IPA and a local beer, which were at least quite drinkable (Cask Marque listing).
On 16th October 2017
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Roger Button left this review about The Crab Inn
With its thatched roof and image that could grace a thousand fudge boxes you would initially be hard pushed to find a more idyllic pub on the island than the Crab. Sadly the exterior is where the Olde Worlde charm of the Crab ends and the touristy pub chain for the masses approach takes over.
Where one would expect to enter into a myriad of rambling, cosy little rooms, the interior couldn’t be more contrasting. The pub is divided into a large modern front section that is mainly designated for diners whilst the slightly raised rear section contains the main bar. Both lack any real warmth or charm that such a building should generate.
As well as the benches out the front, there is a side patio and to be honest, the place is far more appealing from the outside if you can get a seat in the first place.
Beer wise it is a Greene King tie but they did have Goddards Scrumdiggity alongside the only other ale, Old Speckled Hen, hardly a big choice. There are various menus depending on time and day of your visit but they are all fairly typical pub grub choices and whilst reasonably priced, I’m not suer I would to spend much time in here beyond a quick pint for curiosity sake.
It’s probably the biggest tourist trap on the island as far as pubs go and will probably delight pensioners on coach tours or gullible foreigners who think that pubs have looked like this for 300 years but for everyone else, the Crab’s finest attribute is probably as an example of how to ruin a building’s character.
On 15th April 2011
- rating: 5
[User has posted 1239 recommendations about 1233 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Soup Dragon left this review about The Crab Inn
A detached brick and stone thatched pub/diner place, with two patios (front and rear)
The interior is open plan but on two levels; bar area upstairs and the dining below in general. It smacks a bit like a big pubco place on the mainland, with its mix of everything - walls of different clours; red, blue, yellow and wood panel, combining general with a few arty pictures, the sofas and comfy chairs upstairs with the tables on the lower level - yet having a pool and darts area. The service was really good, the clientele mixed and it was busy. The food was fine and the kids ate free.
Beer; tap stuff, with Old Spekky Hen and a decent Goddard's Scrumdiggity Bitter on handpull
Please dont get me wrong, its not that i didn't like - i did! and i would go back.
On 13th April 2010
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3067 recommendations about 3062 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Colin Gooch left this review about The Crab Inn
Pretty thatched pub in the middle of the old village and at the top of the famous Chine. Inside the Crab has undergone a refurbishment which to be honest doesnt quite fit comfortably with its olde world exterior.
Well kept Goddards and a good menu but which proudly announces it serves Norfolk ham and Devon Chedder is somewhat inexplainable and confusing when perfectly acceptable local alternatives are available. (sandwiches from around £5.00 and main meals from £9.00).
Outside seating in walled garden but next to busy main road
On 26th September 2008
- rating: 6
[User has posted 60 recommendations about 57 pubs]