The Crab & Lobster Tap

Grove Road, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

Tel: 01983 852311

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.

What's on

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

Where we are

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!