Craft and Cleaver in St Albans

Nice chilled vibe with cool lighting. Really good BBQ / Smoked food, service was polite, friendly and prompt. I had the combo platter with baby back ribs, brisket burnt ends, bbq beans, fries and pickles. Was an excellent meal, good portion size, nice selection of sauces and the beer was a good pint too. 😎

Big group of us dined in today. Family meal for 18th birthday. Food was delicious and orders were spot on. Still left slightly disappointed unfortunately. Service was slow. Drinks were even slower. We’d ordered final drinks and didn’t get them til after we’d settled the bill. Also have never been to a restaurant that doesn’t do some kind of token birthday gesture when advising it’s a birthday. But as I said - food was delicious.

Incredible meat with extremely lovely service ♥️

The best BBQ food I’ve had in the UK. Plus dog friendly and a nice atmosphere

Overpriced, overpriced, overpriced!!!!!

The food and service were great as usual! Only down side was the price of beers. It seems to have gone up!

If you are a very patient person and love to wait almost an hour for your starter than this is the right place for you. Otherwise if you want fast service phone them in the morning to place your order and it might be at the table by 9pm. The place should be called snail cleaver.

Nice place, nice ribs and the Craft Burger was really delicious 🤤 SHAN provided excellent service, appreciate.

The burgers are amaaazing, and the house beer is as good

Thought this place was great. Good food, friendly service, good attitude.

We had an excellent esrly evening dinner and the hoghlights were padron peppers, pulled pock and the craft beer.

Food Was good but for 56 pound sharing board, portion was tiny

Excellent place for relaxing and having very good food.

Just had the most amazing pitmaster tray omg it was delicious and plenty for two for 2 hungry people I would definitely recommend this place and food

Excellent beer, food and service. Highly recommend.

My fish was lovely. My relatives had the meat platter for two and said the meat was dry. The Strawberry type cheesecake was delicious and the ice cream

Great service and tasty food. I went back to this place after 5y not being in the country and it still delivers a great food, good beers on tap and cosy atmosphere. Menu has some great meat options but also some salmon , veggie stew or Ceasar salad. The sides are tasty and presentation in little tray is great. Atmosphere is family friendly and there is a kids menu. It’s really worth the extra walk to avoid all the c***p chain food in town!

Don’t have the squid…. I had really really bad food poisoning after eating it

Came here with a friend on a Friday night reasonably early and was given a table without any issues. Service was friendly and prompt, we had a sharing platter which was more than enough food for 2 people. Overall I would come back. Well done team.

Lovely service from Izzy, great food and cocktails. Nice clean restaurant with baby changing, nappies and wipes. A small detail but much appreciated. Will definitely be returning. Thank you!

Excellent place! The food was very good, the service was very welcoming, and the prices are not bad at all. I will definitely go there again. However, one thing I didn’t understand is why we can’t smoke cigarettes in the garden while others are allowed to vape at the same time.

After a sad & emotional family day this was a great find to help raise our spirits. The food was amazing - we had the beef burger & the full ribs. Craft beer to start with, followed by the delicious "Bitch Juice" cocktail & then the really tasty mains....but leave room for dessert -we had the strawberry cheesecake creation & it was one of the best desserts I have ever had. Well done to Chan & his team for a very enjoyable evening despite our sombre mood. Paul & Sue Gillett Great Eccleston

The food here is absolutely delicious. Perfect barbecue food that’s hard to come by at other places! Staff were helpful & friendly, I would just say it’s slightly pricey for portion sizes and there was not much atmosphere when we visited. Would still definitely recommend a visit!

It's far removed from an authentic bbq joint. Central kitchen reheated food, edible but lacking any flair or bbq flavour. All is not lost. Great choice of beers. Good for a meet up or family feeding station. One of 2 branches.

probably some of the best burgers i’ve had in the UK. the pulled pork was so tender and flavorful!

Amazing food if you love perfectly cooked American style BBQ.

Fantastic venue with great staff and delicious and interesting food - the outside courtyard allows you to make the most of the evening.

Fantastic food, atmosphere and service. Beef rib was the star of the show, meat was tender and fell off the bone. Chocolate bengets were the best we've had in a long while. This place is a gem and our go-to for great BBQ.

Texas tray was amazing, the meat just falls off the bone and very tender! Spoilt for choice on the menu. Can't wait to come back and try more

The food in this place is awesome and the service and staff are absolutely fantastic. Just been there again tonight and felt compelled to share how good the staff and is here. And the door is AMAZING

I found the food portion size to be extremely small for the high cost. The quality was ok but missing the magic I have experienced at most bbq joints. The service not terrible just not good. Unfortunately overpriced and overhyped, I won't be returning.

Heard great things about this place but didn't have a great experience last saturday. Place looked great, nice atmosphere, good selection of beers, however food took 45 minutes to arrive and when it did my ribs were cold. I didn't ask to reheat them as I was worried it would take another half an hour, I was too hungry by that point to ask. It was a shame, maybe I just had a bad experience but I wasn't impressed.

Came here for a friends birthday and I must say the food was extremely disappointing and so was the service. The meat was dry and cold, the burgers were overcooked, the starters were burnt and the service was not friendly at all. Would not be coming back here again

Visited for Father’s Day with a baby who is 8 months old. We were in the restaurant for just shy of 2.5 hours. Anyone with a baby will know getting them to be calm in a restaurant for that long is not easy. There was an hours gap between starters and mains and only 1.5 hours in they told us that one of the items we ordered wasn’t being served that day. The food was good when it arrived but the service was the real let down. We were offered the desserts for free but the bill only had £4.10 taken off so unless the desserts were £2.05 I think that’s a pretty rubbish mediation. By the time we’d got the bill we just needed to leave so didn’t contest it. If you visit the food is delicious but be prepared to wait a while. Ps do not order the chargrilled lemonade it looks like sewage water!!!

Went tonight (Thursday 13th June) obviously the food is incredible and to be expected but want to shout out the staff working tonight. I turned up early for our reservation, felt very looked after by the whole team. So on it and not overly baring super chill vibe and just know there stuff. They nailed a luxury service in a very chill manor. Thank you 💗

Amazing food, from start to finish. Starters, mains and desserts were all phenomenal and delicious, would recommend. We tried most things on the menu , and the bbq sauce was divine, we bought a bottle home Only complaint- The cream soda drink was abit gross, not like normal cream soda.

Chris was amazing his knowledge of the menu was awesome and very friendly allowed us to take our time picking want we wanted checked in the right amount, top bloke. Oh and the food is spot on! Best mac and cheese ive had. Would 100% come back if I didn't live 15000KMs away. When I visit England again I will be back.

Very modern and nice food. We got there a little late and was seated outside. Food came in good time and was great. It was packed out and it seemed a good time was had by all.

Always an amazing meal served by friendly wait staff.

Amazing ribs, even better service. Thank you guys

Amazing place. Food is awesome, quality and taste too. Big plates so good value for money. Drinks and cocktails really good, some really interesting G&T options. Garden is very special and all staff to the point, kind and helpful. Been there couple times and planning more soon.

Our first visit to the C&C having heard lots of good recommendations. Fortunately we weren't disappointed with anything. If you like barbecued food then this is the place for you with excellent burgers and burnt ends. Whilst prices are a little on the high side the quality of meats justifies the price. Service was attentive and friendly with a good atmosphere generally. We will be back!!

We had a lovely meal at Craft & Cleaver. Great food, the Brisket Croquettes as a starter are a must. Staff were very friendly. We had a small issue with our order and the staff proactively sorted the issue - top stuff!

Love this place! Food is always on point - I always order from the bbq section, and the sides are awesome too! Staff are always lovely. Music is always great and adds to the atmosphere (if a little loud at times). They have a little hideaway garden area too. What's not to love!?

Phoebe makes the best spicy margaritas in town 🌶️. 5 stars, can highly recommend!

First visit! Food was banging! Great staff, Jessica served us and she was amazing. Will 100% be coming back soon!

Great food. The peach larger is really good and the staff were lovely.

Went on Friday night for a catchup with a friend, and I had a great time. The service was great and the drinks came quickly. Jessica and Phoebe were on the bar, and the drinks were great quality and were delivered very quickly by Charlotte. I would definitely come back and the drinks were very enjoyable.

Patrick is the best guy in have ever met in my life, you should pay him way more and give him more payed time off, he works harder than anyone I have ever met in my life

Patrick was extremely helpful and gave us great service - thanks Patrick!

Great night out with some great friends, night was really memorable thanks to Luke from the bar team, his cocktails blew my mind and the Don Julio bottle was so nice, would recommend craft and cleaver to large groups and small friend groups, just ask for Luke if you want a night to remember!

Food was spectacular with quick service and a smile. Special shoutout to Luke behind the bar, immaculate cocktails and had a great chat. Top bloke all round, really makes the restaurant what it is. Will be coming back.

Very nice place, food was great portions were good and Patrick one of the staff there was very nice and attentive

The burger was absolutely delicious!! Just found it on the off chance and if you love a juicy burger with great chips too this is the place!

Phoebe makes the best margaritas .. . And I should know as I have tried my best to drink them out of tequila.

charlotte was an amazing server and was helpful and friendly the entire night - she made it a special experience

We visited both the Hitchin and St Albans branches and loved them both! The St Albans branch has a darker and more atmospheric vibe than Hitchin but both offer excellent food and service

My first visit. The food was excellent. Patrick, our waiter, was lovely, very helpful and full of recommendations.

Fantastic experience. Lovely staff, very welcoming, great recommendations, fab food (burnt ends the winner) and Patrick was very friendly, competent and of course he is- he’s Irish! Will be back.

Super tasty and authentic American BBQ dining experience. Helpful and friendly staff, delicious food at a reasonable price. Parking a little difficult to find nearby. Recommended!

The service was very quick and our server (Chris) was really friendly. All the portion sizes were perfect and the food was amazing. We particularly liked the inventive serving dishes. The decor was all cohesive and really fit the theme.

Wife and I took our two kids (7,5) last night. In error, we had booked an outside table. Despite being busy, the staff were able to accommodate us inside. The food is brilliant and great value as well. Staff all friendly and attentive. Thank you!

Popped in on a Sunday afternoon. It was fairly quiet at the time. I ordered the rack of ribs, which weren't that great. They were possibly overdone but edible. Service was okay, friendly staff.

Lovely place, delicious food and amazing staff.

Had the burnt ends, beans, and fries, plus some extra sauces. The food was very well done, filling and tasty. The server from Northern Scotland was also great. I'll go back next time I'm in the area.

The BBQ was really good. Everything that was ordered was spot on. The big tray for 2 was packed with meat and went quick. The drinks tasted ok. The puddings also a highlight. The service was a little slow but the restaurant was packed when we arrived and when we left so understandable.

A cold wet Monday evening, a quite empty barbecue restaurant due to the early-ish hour. Ordered burnt ends (beef) recommended by a colleague. Great presentation, more than reasonable quantities and most importantly amazing flavour, melt in your mouth beef squares that tasted amazing on their own but with a bean side and pickled watermelon was one of the best meals.. good range of beers to wash it down. Recommend

Went for dinner and drinks the other night and was absolutely lovely. The food was great (we shared 2 starters of chicken wings and shrimp and the combo plate). Good atmosphere and really friendly and helpful staff. Cocktails were fab also - some unique combos. Will definitely return!

Bustling atmosphere, amazing food and able to fit a large group. Excellent experience overall

I loved everything about my experience here. I have been twice a burger, and then burnt ends, and it was all fantastic. The service was friendly and efficient. Loved it. 😍

Visited on Saturday evening having completed the first part of our journey home from watching Burnley at Crystal Palace. There were five of us and we’d booked in advance and we all agreed our menu choices were excellent. However, the long delay before our orders were taken was concerning and the even longer delay awaiting our main courses following the starters was really unacceptable. We did receive an apology eventually but that came far too late and the reasoning that we were behind a large table seemed far fetched. It meant we had one less round of drinks and didn’t order desserts to allow us to get on the road for our long journey home. Food excellent but the service means we will probably not return when in the area.

Visiting the area ahead of a visit to Harry Potter World. Lovely vibe and staff during our visit. Food was delicious, we ordered from both the main and kids menu. Shrimp were particularly delicious - great choice for Sunday night tea.

The C&C never disappoints. A great meal and service

Amazing dining experience, big portion, tasty, meat was very juicy and tender

Met a few friends for a drink and food here on a Thursday night. The food was great. We shared some starter plates and covered meat (pork tacos and burgers) and non-meat (vegan hot dog) mains. All very tasty. Ended-up costing around £50/head with 2 or 3 drinks too. Great atmosphere and the staff were warm and attentive throughout the evening. All in all, a top night.

Had our anniversary Wife was happy with my choice of place 😂 Totally recommend as food was amazing

Friendly atmosphere, fantastic food and lovely service. Excellent beer selection too. Recommend the burnt ends!

Had our anniversary Wife was happy with my choice of place 😂 Totally recommend as food was amazing Will return in the near future

Been there for a pint but found this place is famous for its bbq stuff. You get beautiful atmosphere as soon as u entered. Friendly & attentive staff. Great quick service. Plenty of seating inside and outdoor. Serving best craft beers from different breweries of UK. Right in the middle of city so easy to access if you around for shopping. Hope visit it again soon

Amazing food. Super tasty ribs and burnt ends. Corn ribs so good. Vegan chili dog was very good too. Thank you.

Second visit and did not disappoint. Having a son that smokes, brines, barbecues etc we are well aware of the care and effort C&C go to. Choices and flavours are AMAZING! Choice of homemade pickles and sauces very eclectic and catered for all tastes and the curiosity to try something different. Between four of us we had wings, squid, croquettes, burnt ends, shrimp and mac and cheese. Portions were generous we are good eaters too, meat was tender and not at all dry, spice level was perfect. Apologies but can't remember name but pear vodka C&C gin and raspberry cocktail was unreal!!! Need one of those every Friday to round off the week......we had a few! Bourbon soaked cherries, lush. Staff are so attentive but not intrusive fun and and so obviously proud of their product it was a perfect evening. Thank you.

Went there for breakfast. Definitely up there in the top 3 brunch spots in St Albans. The full pitmaster breakfast is an awesome meal. Won't need to eat again today!

Overall verdict- Pitmaster Tray for 2 is an absolute rip-off with meat not so good. I went on Sunday around 3.00 pm for lunch. The place decent with a large room to sit and the waiters were super nice. We ordered the big sharing platter - Pitmaster Tray for 2 (£64.50) and overall were left disappointed. Burnt ends - these were decent though the meat was still not as tender. Full rack of ribs - this was sooo disappointing. Very very dry (as if it had been sitting for a long time). Given this was the star of the show, it was very disappointing. Left it unfinished. Pulled Pork - again not moist or juicy. And once these get dry, the taste just goes away. 4xFried chicken wings - regular with no sauce in the platter (could be bought at extra cost) 1 sausage Overall for £32 a head, this was a disaster - money aside, the taste of meats was below average, there were no sauces and a small fries. Later we realised that we could have got almost the same food by Build your own combo (x2) for £24.50 per person which would have come with 2 portion each of meat, 2 sides and 2 sauce of choice).

Truly excellent venue. The barbecue food is outstanding; certainly unrivalled in the area. There's always a wide selection of beers on. The atmosphere is great and the staff are friendly and personable. The beer garden is very cool as well. Thoroughly recommended.

Great food, great staff! Thank you so much

Really didn't rate this unfortunately. Went with the truffle burger and tasted no truffle/blue cheese sauce or anything other than the sweet relish. Real shame. Good quality patty but other than that, a disappointment for the money!

2nd time here and it's just good as the first time. The beef ribs in particular is amazingly tender and well flavored.

Delicious food! We had the pitmaster platter which was plenty for 2 people. My only comment is…. Be more generous with the chips please!

Platters are small not well presented well over priced no atmosphere staff could be a bit more upbeat won't be returning

I celebrated my 50th birthday here, couldn't have asked for a better place. Food was pre-prdered so came out quickly, no complaints about any food which is odd for my family😉. Wide range of craft beers, etc. The staff were friendly and attentive from start to finish. Will definitely return soon!

A very good bbq based gastro pub. Funky decor, good service and a good choice of drinks. The combo is worth it if you can’t decide.

Delicious food and cocktails 😋 Service poor but otherwise amazing

Went for dinner and was really tasty! Great service on a busy Saturday night. Highly recommend the Pork Croquettes & pit beans both stole the show for me!

Nice restaurant to eat at with good service. Food is nice but a bit expensive for what it is.

Excellent food and service, food was hot and delicious would highly recommend. Busy but was a Saturday night and seating to our table took 45 mins but once seated food order delivered quickly.

This is my favourite place in St Albans, the food is always good, the beers excellent and the friendly people serving are the best ; a big big thanks to Gemma; friendly attentive and a natural in hospitality! This place deserves the great reviews; I’ve eaten here many many times the good food and the good team always make it a great night ! Thank you

Very disappointing and a raw burger. Instead of making a new burger they just recooked the old one. Don't recommend

Went with my teenage sons (and dog) and we all agreed, best place we'd eaten at for ages! Beer choice was interesting (and great) so we knew we'd come somewhere a little different. I tasted a few before deciding on a lovely American IPA. Then the food...! We had wings, a sharing platter and a burger. Wow, exactly what we'd hoped for and my sons can be a fussy...they know what they like. This hit the spot and the quantity was perfect for us, we we were on the verge of being defeated and left extremely full! They're still talking about it a week later. Service was brilliant too, friendly and helpful.

Absolutely delighted with our visit to Craft & Cleaver! It was an extraordinary evening, transforming our dinner into a memorable 'date night.' The outdoor heating in our designated cubicle added a cozy touch, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff's friendliness further enhanced our experience, making us feel genuinely welcomed. Now, let's talk about the food – nothing short of fantastic! Craft & Cleaver takes pride in delivering barbecue perfection. From the smoked ribs to the brisket and other American BBQ staples, each dish showcased imaginative flavors that left our taste buds thoroughly satisfied. The portions were generous, ensuring a hearty and fulfilling dining experience. And the desserts? Simply to die for! Craft & Cleaver didn't just meet our expectations; it exceeded them, leaving us eager to return for another culinary adventure. The commitment to quality and taste was evident in every bite. Beyond the culinary delights, the ambiance of the restaurant added to the overall enjoyment of our evening. The contemporary setting with cozy corners and the option of outdoor heated booths created a vibrant yet intimate atmosphere. Craft & Cleaver has successfully curated a space that caters to a diverse range of preferences. Moreover, we appreciate the pride Craft & Cleaver takes in being an independent barbecue joint, craft beer house, and cocktail bar. This commitment to independence adds a unique charm to the establishment. It's evident that the venue isn't just a place to eat; it's a celebration of culinary creativity and the joy of sharing good food and drinks. We also want to highlight the thoughtful touch of being open seven days a week. This flexibility ensures that patrons can indulge in Craft & Cleaver's offerings at their convenience, making it a go-to spot for any day of the week. In summary, our visit to Craft & Cleaver was nothing short of spectacular. The combination of exceptional food, warm ambiance, and friendly staff has left a lasting impression. We wholeheartedly thank Craft & Cleaver for providing us with a truly great night out, and we're already looking forward to our next visit. Craft & Cleaver is undeniably a gem in St. Albans, proudly independent and consistently delivering a top-notch dining experience. Highly recommended!

Lovely atmosphere, decor and vibe. The waiting staff were very attentive and friendly. The menu is interesting, though more options on the combo for non-pork eaters would have been good. The food was very tasty - the mac & cheese was delicious, perfect texture and flavour, however I would say that in terms of value for the money the portion sizes are a little on the small size. And increase of 25% and I would have been delightedly. Overall a lovely experience. Many thanks for lunch 🙂