Escape Bar and Caribbean Tapas in Croydon

This is my Favourite Caribbean restaurant in London. The Food is flavoursome and menu has an extensive range of food options. Been coming here for a year now and always happy

Its not just good food, the atmosphere they set was perfect, it was very clean and the waiter went out of his way to make us welcome. 10 out of 10

We visited the restaurant on a busy Saturday night & it seemed like the staff were not used to the restaurant being so busy so could not cope. We had pre booked a table & the guy that greeted us was not very friendly or welcoming we were pointed to a table & had to wait around 15 minutes for a menu the same guy that showed us to our table came to take our order & we had to remind him he didn’t give us a menu no apologies given. Service was slow we ordered drinks they arrived around 25 minutes later we waited over 45 minutes for food our starters then arrived with the mains & the sides came another 10-15 minutes later the tables around us had also waited a long time for food & drinks one group of 3 arrived before us & we’re still waiting for their drinks after we had been given our food. There didn’t seem to be any order or organisation in place & staff were like headless chickens. We had long waits, missing food & had to ask for the bill 4 times everyone around us had the same issues & it was clear the restaurant couldn't cope. The food is ok not worth a 45-60 minute wait this restaurant needs improvement decor is basic, customer service was not great, the waiting times are too long.

Just had an amazing meal of lobster cooked in white wine and butter ncluding plantain croquettes which was pre-ordered. It was absolutely delicious. The last time l tasted lobster like that was in the Caribbean. The chef is to be applauded and the owners and bar staff are always so lovely.

Visited this establishment on 14th February and it was underwhelming! The table was booked online for 7.30pm and this was on the premise that the menu was as advertised on the website. When we arrived at the venue, we were seated by a nice young lady who gave us a choice of table and all was fine. For 10 minutes we were kept waiting for a menu and the waitress who was at our table displayed the most sour of faces. She proceeded to light the candle on the table to create an ambience but seemed as though she'd rather be elsewhere. There was no effort made like some other restaurants in the CP triangle to decorate the restaurant with balloons, banners and music which would give a Caribbean vibe. The former was the first issue. The second issue was that the menu was a fixed £30 pp Valentine's meal. For meat eaters there was variety but only one dish was advertised as vegan! One!! The menu online has at least three dishes to choose from plus side dishes that can be ordered to make up a non meat eater meal. The waiter that served us stated that the set menu cannot be changed or amended or we could not order parts of it..He didn't seem too bothered that in this day and age, vegan diners require a broader choice. (Which is shown on their web page; however, the web page didn't even have the Valentine's Day menu advertised (trade description issues right there), so diners would know what to expect this evening) Poor, poor, poor!!!l When the table was booked, it was outlined that one diner will need a vegan meal. No one commented on the message left or had any idea how to rectify the situation when on the spot. The young man didn't say, 'okay wait a minute let me see what we can do, or anything..' He just let it ride. Overall, and after such a poor first 25 minutes, we left the restaurant. However, one other thing.. The people running the restaurant were not the original owners who were pretty good at customer service but it would seem now newly owned? I'm not sure this restaurant will last much longer because if Joanna's has closed down, an established restaurant since 1975, then I don't hold out much hope for this one. Unfortunately, unless several factors improve and they revamp the website, I will not be returning nor recommending anyone else to patron this restaurant while the disorganisation and lack of customer satisfaction is a low priority. This restaurant WAS going places. Now not so sure.

Great little place. The food was amazing, had jerk burger which was really tasty and very big, the home made coleslaw was the best I’ve ever had. Friendly, happy staff. Would definitely recommend and go again. Cocktails are great too

I had made a reservation to eat here weeks in advance. When I turned up at the time I was greeted by a rude member of staff who I believe was the manager, to say that they know we have made a reservation but they are fully booked... so try coming back in an hour. I questioned this saying but we have made a reservation so there should be a table for us. The response was, "I know you did, but we are busy so come back later"... No apology or anything just rude and unprofessional response. Obviously we didn't go back and I don't intend to go back again.

Visited this restaurant with my husband for the second time. I have been with friends and family before, but decided to go out for a romantic dinner. The service was rushed and Poor the food is already overpriced for what you get. After eating dinner. We were immediately bombarded by all the staff at one time or another asking if we wanted desert. It got sooooo bad that even the Barman came and asked if we wanted desert. I just ended up asking for the bill. Totally overcharged. Won’t be returning. DONT treat customers so poorly this experience was upsetting enough. Will not be recommending

Went to Escape for the first time last night. Being a Monday it was dancing night (management had advised me of this in case we wanted to change our minds) and there was a big birthday table going on too, so things were a little chaotic. However, the atmosphere was sooo friendly and nice it more than made up for the chaos. Negronis were some of the best I've ever tasted and the food was exceptional. Altogether a lovely place and will definitely be going back. And I don't normally write reveiws!

Excellent Customer service. Food is served to the highest of standards. They always pay attention to great food presentation & quality.. I travel all over the world to experience the best cocktails and this is def the best cocktails in London. I will def be going back and Cant wait. A+ to Management & their staff..

Excellent service. Food was i point. Love the Mac and cheese and the jerk. The spicy prawns was amazing as well as the salmon!

The service was shocking. We ordered at 7:00pm and only starting eating after 8:00pm. There were three of us and one got theirs while the other two had to wait at least 5 min before the other two arrived, and then their plate was being cleared away while we were still eating. The service is an unfortunate blight on what was quite a good meal. There was good flavour and portions, but it is difficult to enjoy a meal when your frustration level is so high.

Tried out this restaurant following reviews online. Table was booked for 6.30pm, waited a while for someone to take our drinks and food order. Food didn’t arrive until after 8pm and this was after we had to chase up the waiters. They brought food out dribs and drabs, missing items and one person ate at a time. The food was mediocre! To make things worse, we were sitting at the back of the restaurant by the kitchen door that kept slamming shut everytime a member of staff went through. It was so loud I left with a headache. In the end we told them to forget the rest of our food as it was approaching 9pm. We just about got an apology and there was no offer of goodwill, we still have to pay full price for the food and service we did receive. I will not be going back.

Visited the place this evening (12/4/21); for a friend's birthday and greeted with a warm welcome and offered a seat away from the door. The waitress was very personable and my friend had a brief chat with one of the owners about hats. We ordered fried chicken and beef patty with rum punch cocktails as part of the happy hour. While the rum punch had a punch and was delicious, the patty was delightful, the fried chicken was extremely fry and not freshly fried. The chicken tasted like it was previously fried and then heated up in a microwave so the edges were inedible and the only meat one was able to consume was in the middle. Very disappointing and I have to say that it was not an enjoyable experience. I have been to this venue on two previous occasions and have written positively about it; however, on this occasion it was not great.

Went for the first time to escape and it was amazing! The staff were so helpful and showed me a great range of tapas. The prawns were amazing! But the s/o has to go to Tamera, a great bartender who’s great at cocktail making and makes great conversation, made me feel very welcome.

A friendly, cosy, charming place with a good selection of cocktails 🍹 plus a good selection of tapas plus they host a Salsa/ Kizomba night on Mondays with lessons and dancing until late.

I was pleasantly surprised by this place yes its small but it packs a punch with the vibe. The food was well seasoned and cooked thoroughly and the cocktails are really good all be it a bit expensive (and at least a 10 minute wait)....

Fresh and tasty food - chicken wing platter highly recommended. Cocktails (which were 2 for 1 until 9pm) a particular highlight. Attentive service and great atmosphere. Will definitely be back.

Was out with friends ended up there, one of crew knew the owner, waiting just for a little as there was seven of us. Was seated and greeted warmly, the music selection was so on point... made me think of home (Jamaica), the atmosphere was...

My sister arranged for us to have a small family meal. I had not been to the Escape Bar and Caribbean Tapas before despite living relatively close by. It really was a very enjoyable experience. Attentive service from the staff, wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and really...

Booked the beautiful VIP room to chill with friends. A comfortable and relaxed experience. Great service, lovely music, delicious food. The cocktails are divine! Highly recommend!

Hosted an event here on Thursday from start to finish the Evening was phenomenal in such a beautifully decorated environment giving vibes of being in the caribbean. Lets start with Customer Service, staff was very professional &went over & Beyond to deliver a Welcoming, friendly...

We hired this restaurant for our nans funeral service and it was nothing short of amazing. There was more than enough food to go around, the food was extremely hot and the waiters were very attentive and well mannered. I would definitely recommend for a...

They catered My mother's reception and they were lovely Extremely professional Humble on time and went the extra mile to make sure that me and my family had an amazing evening and if I was to need a catering service ever again or if someone...

Alright, let's start with the positives. Really attentive customer service. The young man who attended to us was absolutely professional. The food was superb. Hot, fresh and a delight to eat. We ordered the saltfish fritters to start and shared this, then had individual tapas...

Always wanted to try it out and finally got a chance for a friends birthday. The place is colourful and welcoming. Table was booked for 7pm on a and the restaurant was cozy but not full. As I arrived after the table had placed their...

First off the food was amazing, as a typical Jamaican I often expect that certain taste which some Caribbean restaurants don’t have, but this one AMAZING! The food was delicious and though the restaurant is small it’s perfect for those who love being in a...

I’ve been a few times to this bar and I honestly can’t get enough of it! I came in for takeaway and the food was just as delicious and freshly made as it would be as a sit down meal. It’s one of the best...

I have eaten in this restaurant a few time, I ate there the last week of lock down and enjoyed the food and the atmosphere .. I raved on to a friend on how good the food was and what to expect. We decided to...

I went to Escape twice in 4 days. I went last Friday and absolutely enjoyed the food and the 2 for 1 cocktails- which btw where lush. It was lovely to find staff where all male and were extremely professional and friendly. Although it was...

Lovely food, clean establishment, wonderful friendly staff. It was such a lovely experience. I will definitely be coming back :)

I’m shocked with the previous negatives review it almost seems malicious, I’m so glad I never took this review into consideration when booking a table. Nice ambient environment Friendly staff Food was scrumptious Great choice of Caribbean food (highly recommend the prawns and haloumi fries)....

rack and trace is a GDPR disaster. Just write your name and phone number on a piece of paper at the front? I'm sure the illegible number I wrote has masses of calls selling me PPI. The Mac and cheese is literally macaroni with cheese...