About us
The Crab and Lobster Tap was the first inn on the Isle of Wight. There is a longstanding folktale that King Charles I visited the inn and was sketched by the Owner, but unfortunately early maps of the settlement do not show an inn. However, it is known that the inn dates back at least to the mid-eighteenth century, and it has even been suggested that the name Ventnor is a corruption of the word “vintner”, or wine maker (the earliest landlords brewed their own beer).
The term “tap” originates from the fact that hotels could not sell alcohol to their residents and so would open a bar nearby. The original “tap” was the cottage to the right of what was the Crab and Lobster hotel, and was where the famous Ventnor Crab fair originated, the frontage of the pub being where locals and mainlanders alike would gather for wrestling matches and other traditional events. The pub is one of the very few on the island to have a proper underground beer cellar, with barrels stored directly under the pumps to give a nice short run and perfect temperature.
The current licensees, David and Dianne, look forward to seeing you and extending you a warm welcome combining the best of English pub and ale traditions with some of the finest modern cooking prepared with fresh local ingredients.
Opening times
The Crab & Lobster
Opening Times
Monday 12 Midday – 12 Midnight
Tuesday 12 Midday – 12 Midnight
Wednesday 12 Midday – 12 Midnight
Thursday 12 Midday – 12 Midnight
Friday 12 Midday –1am
Saturday 12 Midday –1am
Sunday 12pm–10:30pm
Pub Food Available
Monday 1pm – 9pm
Tuesday 1pm – 9pm
Wednesday 1pm – 9pm
Thursday 1pm – 7pm
Friday 1pm – 10pm
Saturday 1pm – 10pm
Sunday Roasts 12 midday until its gone
What's on
Pub Quiz Night
We hold a weekly fun quiz every Thursday at 8pm hosted by our very own Dave The Landlord.
This quiz is perfect for all ages and abilities. Holiday makers and families are always welcome.
We provide a chocolate prize for each round, along with a hot dog (Vege option is available) at half time.
All of this is for £1.00 per person
Come along, give it a shot and prove how clever you are?
Live Sports
We have 5 screens available where we show a variety of live sport.
Providing both Sky Sports & BT Sports.
Regular Events
‘OLD School Disco’ Every Friday after 9pm
Real DJ’s, Real Vinyl & Real Tunes
Please see our Facebook page or our regular advert in the South Wight Chronicle for live bands and events.
For Private events and parties please contact us on 01983 852 311
The Crab & Lobster Tap Menu
Welcome to The Crab & Lobster Tap, we are a small team who strive to provide a value for money service. All of our food is prepared and cooked on the premises. All dietary requirements are catered for, come and chat with our team. We are family friendly.
For desserts please ask staff.
P.S – we receive our fresh, locally caught crab every Friday during the season!
Sunday Roasts
Our famous Crab & Lobster Tap Sunday roast is very popular, booking is recommended.
Example Sunday Roast Menu:
Beef, Ham, Turkey or Pork (vegetarian option available) – served with homemade roast potatoes, stuffing, Yorkshire puddings, gravy & fresh vegetables
All the above is £6.00 per person
Extra large or smaller portions are available on request.
Pudding is £3.00 each see specials board
WARNING: Due to popular demand we sell out quickly please call to book your table in advance.
Dietary requirements catered for please speak to a member of staff.
Starters
- Old favourite prawn cocktail – £5.95
- Homemade crab cake with salad garnish – £4.95
- Mozzarella sticks & salad garnish – £4.95
- Homemade soup of the day – £4.95
- Spicy chicken wings – £4.95
Mains
All main meals £9.95 each (half portions available £5)
- Real ale battered fish & chips & peas
- Seafood Linguini (Mussels, prawns & seafood)
- Sarah’s crab thermidor & chips
- Gammon, egg, chips & peas
- Dianne’s seafood pie, chips & peas
- Vegetable or beef lasagne with chips
- Vegetable or beef Chilli with chips or rice
- David’s homemade burger – 100% IOW Beef with chips
- Fresh salad choice of Prawn, Ham or Cheese
Traditional Bar Meals
All meals are £7.95 each served with chips & salad garnish
- ‘Real’ Chicken Nuggets
- Scampi & peas
- Vegetable burger
- Spicy chicken wings
- Double chicken burger
- Two homemade fishcakes
Fresh Crab Meals
Our crab is caught in local waters between Niton & Ventnor. Subject to availability.
- Two crab cakes & chips – £7.95
- Crab & sweetcorn soup – £4.95
- Crab Sandwich with crisps & salad garnish – £6.95
- Crab salad – £9.95
- Sarah’s crab thermidor with chips & salad garnish – £9.95
Latest news
Photos of the pub
The Crab & Lobster Tap on Facebook
Contact us
Get in touch
Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions, or even if you just want to say hello.
Address
The Crab & Lobster Tap
Grove Road, Ventnor
PO38 1TH