The Crab & Lobster Inn
Forelands Field Road, Bembridge · Inn
View on Google MapsPhoto: The Crab and Lobster Inn
Clifftop seafood pub on Bembridge's eastern point with en-suite rooms above, four AA stars and a terrace over the Solent.
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Crab & Lobster Inn
The Crab & Lobster sits on the low cliff at Forelands, the most easterly point of the Isle of Wight, with nothing between the terrace and the sea. It has been a fishermen's pub for generations and still trades on that: crab and lobster from local pots, dressed crab salads, fish pie and a chalkboard of whatever has come in. The dining rooms and the outdoor terrace both look straight down over the shore.
Accommodation is upstairs, in a small number of en-suite bedrooms rated four stars by the AA. Rooms are simple and comfortable rather than luxurious - good beds, tea and coffee, television, free Wi-Fi - and the sea-facing ones are worth the supplement for the view alone. Rates start around ninety-five to a hundred and ten pounds depending on season, which is fair value for the position.
The pub is part of the Character Inns group, a small family-run collection of Island pubs, and it keeps proper pub hours and a proper bar rather than operating as a restaurant with a token counter. Local ales are on, and the atmosphere in the evening is busy and unpretentious. Booking a table is sensible in summer, when day visitors fill the terrace.
Bembridge is a good base for the quieter eastern side of the Island. The coastal path passes the door in both directions, Bembridge Windmill and the lifeboat station are within walking distance, and the beaches at Whitecliff Bay and Priory Bay are a short drive. It suits walkers, cyclists, sailors and couples who would rather stay above a good pub than in a hotel.
Reception hours
- Monday
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Tuesday
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Thursday
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Friday
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
Lovely Sunday walk along the beach finished with a gorgeous lunch at The crab and lobster. A very hot day, grabbed some drinks from the bar before we sat outside to enjoy the views of the sea. There was a slight wait to order but we were told this by the waitress before we chose our table. The menu is mainly seafood which is no surprise... I'm not a seafood fan but there was lots of other tasty food to choose from 😋 Once ordering we were told there was a 45 min wait for food but we weren't phased, we were enjoying the sun ☀️ Food was only around a 30min wait, and it was lovely!!! Presentation was impressive and the flavours were amazing! Definitely returning soon, to try out other dishes 😁
a month ago · via Google
A hidden gem. Located on a lovely beach with great views from the outside seating area. Worth staying for a few nights so you can explore the island. Rooms are comfortable and clean. Food is great and served by lovely staff. Definitely coming back!
4 weeks ago · via Google
We had read great reviews about this pub and arrived for a meal for 2 on the evening of the England football match. The place was really quiet. Unfortunately the food we were served did not match up to the fantastic reviews we had read and the service from the staff didn't either. This was the only disappointing meal we had whilst on a weeks holiday and unfortunately we could not recommend this venue
a month ago · via Google
I stopped by to eat with my wife and friend. It was a random search for the closest place to our lodge and Google directed us to this place. What we discovered was an absolute hidden gem 💎 of a place. Right by the sea area, lovely vibes and professional waiters. Bruce looked after us so well. He helped to cut my lobster (first time of having one). He even gave us a complimentary extra side. What an absolute gentleman. The food was tasty and we all went home happy. If you ever go to Isle of Wight, make sure you check them out. I fully recommend.
a month ago · via Google
Diners like this pub's delicious and well-presented food, especially the fresh seafood, Sunday roast, and hearty pub classics. They also highlight the friendly and accommodating staff, the cozy atmosphere, and the lovely sea views.
Some reviews mention the food can be inconsistent.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- 32 Forelands Field Road, Bembridge, PO35 5TR Get directions
- Property type
- Inn
- Location
- Forelands Field Road, Bembridge
- Star rating
- 3 star
- Guest score
- 8.6 / 10 (1,350 reviews)
- Prices from
- £105 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Good for groups
- Yes
- Booking required
- Yes
- Destination
- Isle of Wight