Part of the reason we moved to St Albans was because of this restaurant! (And many other wonderful places here. )
We always go for dinner at Craft&Cleaver, but last weekend we tried brunch. It turned out to be a right decision. The brunch menu is a bit different and had what my partner always wanted — burned end. I ordered friend chicken & egg. It was as good as a specialised brunch place. And service is great! Staff are really helpful and friendly. Definitely will come often.
Craft and Cleaver is a great place for BBQ food and drinks.
Beef rib had a nice bark on the outside and smokey flavour, and was decently tender. Overall it was excellently cooked. Personally I would prefer a little more sweetness and a little less heat but that’s personal preference.
The chargrilled lemonade was really flavourful and had a good balance of sweet /sour.
The Mac and cheese was excellent, couldn’t fault it or the pulled pork topping. Fries were great too and were consistently seasoned (not just the top).
Service was great. Would also like to have seen traditional BBQ staples like corn bread and collard greens on the menu.
It’s pricey, but the quality is there to justify it, and overall is a formidable entry to the UK BBQ scene.
Delicious brunch, we had the brisket and eggs, fried chicken on sourdough with hollandaise and side of French toast fingers. A really good recovery breakfast, if I was local I'd be here regularly. Was surprised it was quite quiet for the bank holiday weekend, we arrived about 1030 but maybe it gets busier nearer lunch. Staff were friendly and quick service.
Highly recommend the brunch!
This was my first time coming to C&C and it won't be my last. The pitmaster tray was phenomenal and everything was cooked to perfection. The truffled tater tots with pulled barbecue brisket topped it off for us. The staff were really great and friendly. As we were celebrating my birthday, the staff gave me a pickleback shot (I definitely recommend trying it).
Can't wait to go back and try the burgers.
Also, make sure to check out their hot sauce collection - they're holding some heat on that shelf.
What a cracking place this is! They do actually have proper craft beers on tap that always change (Polly's, Boxcar, Brew York etc) as well as a very well stock fridge of more. The food is superb & plenty. It is in the World of BBQ & smoked meats. Very decent portions & reasonable (about £16 for a very good burger & chips) & £10 for half a rack of lovely baby back ribs. We left stuffed! There is a very nice outside area including some booths. Staff are very attentive & friendly. A real find & somewhere we shall keep returning! Updated Dec 22 - we do keep returning & is just a great place for beer & food 😊🍺
Firm favourite for great food, disappointment this time with the very loud rock music but grateful that upon feedback it was able to be turned off in the area we were seated in out the back. Service a little slow but it does mean the food is amazing on arrival - could do with something to graze on whilst waiting! Will return but probably in the warmer weather when we can sit outside and avoid the loud music.
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Been here quite a few times and almost always opt for the pitmaster tray. The general interior and vibe is good, plenty of space so you never feel cramped. Service is quick and efficient. The outdoor area is great both in the summer and winter months. They have an excellent selection of craft beers on offer and cocktails if you'd like a treat.
Food wise, as I said, I've been having the pitmaster tray almost every time I've been. Had the padron peppers a few times which never disappoint. The pitmaster tray itself has changed over the years in terms of lessening quantity and different meats but generally always good for two. However I have had some instances where the ribs weren't quite up to scratch where the meat had completely fused with the bone making it very difficult to eat. I would expect professionally bbqed ribs to fall off the bone... So as a result I can't give a perfect result but other than that can't complain!
If you're a meat eater and want to satisfy those carnivorous craving, then you can't go wrong!
Edit as of 20/09/23. Upgraded to 5 star after attending the yearly Crawfish Boil. It was a truly unforgettable culinary experience!
I love this place. Staff add the extra dimension to a great bar and great food. Friendly, super helpful and ask them about drinks/ food. They really know their stuff. Passionate about what they do. Fair play!
Love the food here! Every time I have had something at Craft & Cleaver, it has always lived up to expectation. There are some vegetarian options, had a couple before and they are good too. Though, I mostly have come here to eat their meat dishes which are delicious. Nice and refreshing cocktails to enjoy if you get a chance to sit in their garden during a warm afternoon/evening.
We have been firm supporters of the Craft & Cleaver for years but today was the first time for brunch. Highly recommend 👌 🌟
Amazing selection of smoked and barbequed meats, including excellent pork ribs and beef short ribs.
Menu is light on vegetables.
Craft beers were also excellent.
Amazing pub. We had 6 people and we were in quite a hurry. We told the staff this and they were able to prepare our lunch in a couple minutes. Would 100% recommend Craft and Cleaver.
The burnt ends were ridiculous. Had the mac n cheese and halloumi fries too. Very warm welcome. Barmaid was amazing. Recommended some excellent beers to take home
Have frequented here since it first opened and whilst the price and menu choices have changed, the food is still great, the service is fantastic and the rotating craft beer range is excellent. We were well accommodated for the england game, which given the late nature of us turning up was much appreciated.
The best ribs I have had in the UK. The burgers were very good as well according to my son's (high praise). Unfortunately it was raining and everyone was squeezed inside which made it very loud and it seemed to me that we were put in the family area with very young children who happened to be misbehaving.
A fantastic birthday brunch at the craft and cleaver. The menu is full of great menu items, can't wait to come back to try more!
The full breakfast was simply the best full English I've ever had, it's going to be hard going back to try something new only to turn it down! The service was a bit slow and I felt that one of the senior staff members was a bit grumpy and the service was a bit slow on not a very busy lunchtime, but the food and drinks made up for any small details. Can't wait to go back!
All very nice…excellent burger! Expensive perhaps at £69 for two? This place was playing the world cup football on mute and music over the speakers. It was empty at lunchtime - i wonder why?! The beer was refreshing though and it went well with the burger.
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