The Crafty Tap in Christchurch

Good crack, friendly landlord and fellow drinkers,made me feel welcome.will Go again Good beer,got squiffy,overall banging

Great food and drink, but not so great an experience. The place just doesn't seem to be managed that well which leads to regular disappointment. Good News - Food. The best chicken tenders I have had since the Bellagio's in Vegas (and Vegas sized portions with 4 giant strips when I am usually full after 3 of theirs). The parmesan fries are especially moreish as well. And, as the name "The Crafty Tap" would imply, an array of distinctive craft beers on offer. I always have a satisfying bite there (full disclosure - I am writing this review after 4 meals there). Bad News - Experience. The whole place is a bit too 'chaotic' (maybe the best word). Lots of buoyant people packed into a small space makes it too loud to have any reasonable conversation unless you want to join in the shouting. The wait staff all seem a bit under-trained and under-informed. I asked how to order food and was told to take my seat and that the lady would come and take my food order at my table. Well, 15 minutes later, no lady so I go back to the counter where she is leisurely tidying up and she apologises for forgetting. The biggest management issue is that not one of my 4 meals that did I get my first choice of beer ("Sorry, that's sold out") and on two occasions, my first choice was food was sold out. To make matters worse, they took my order and then came back 10 minutes later to inform me that they didn't have any of my choice "that day". Recommendation - Train the staff a bit more, put up some sound dampening, manage the inventory better and Crafty Tap will be a superlative establishment.

Great place for meeting friends, great atmosphere interesting varied different beers wine and more. A buzzing place loving the snacks available too!! Go there and enjoy the ambiance. Ben & Jules are so inviting and friendly, if you’re in the area a def place to visit!!!

Fabulous range of beer, cider, wine, cosy atmosphere friendly staff had a relaxed vibe. Small and compact bar on the main street in Christchurch.

We visited on the afternoon of Fathers Day with our 21 month year old daughter, we were lucky to get the table in the window which had space for us and our daughters pram. As it was Daddy's day I was designated driver, shame as the selection of craft beers on offer was very exstensive. My husband had 2 lovely IPAs and we shared the pork pie. We also bought a couple of beers from the bottle shop. The staff could not be more attentive and welcoming, There was also a small dog at another table and a dog bowl and biscuits available, which was lovely to see. If we visit Christchurch again we will definitely be visiting The Crafty Tap.

This place is great, Ben and Jools are marvellous hosts and the beer is fantastic. Before going the The Crafty Tap I knew very little about craft beers having been a real ale drinker all my life. Ben knows his beers and has guided me through the ever changing range of beers he has on tap. I have bough many flagons of takeaway too. Highly, highly recommended.

Found this bar a couple of days into our visit and went ever night thereafter, a great choice of ales up on the board behind the bar (which I sampled quite a few) and I understand that red wines were also good. A great friendly team working and very covid safe, the sort of bar that we should all support in these troubled times

We stumbled across this little gem on a stroll through the town. Wow, we loved it! Very friendly staff and an excellent choice of drinks. Beautifully designed interior, spotlessly clean and cosey. Really couldn't recommend this place enough!

Visted whilst on holiday, had a small but well-chosen range of craft cans (Verdant, Deya, Pressure Drop etc), plus seven or eight varied beers/ciders on tap. Takeaways available of the tap beers in various sizes including the ability to take away a 0.5l can from their tap selection, fully sealed. Recommended.

Right in the historic heart of Christchurch this micropub / bottle shop is an oasis of quality. The owners are clearly passionate about what they do and this shows through in the selection of beer and wine plus the friendly and helpful service. Looking forward to my next trip.

Have been to this place a few times now both before and during lockdown. The staff are really friendly and unlike allot of craft beer places these days, if your knowledge of beer is limited ( like me !) they certainly won’t make you feel stupid for not knowing the difference between the beers! And will help recommend from other mainstream beers and flavours you like. Run by a local couple I believe and happy to support local especially when the product and service are so good, give them a try especially if you a beer novice but want to try it judgement free :) PS at the mo they are doing draft takeout in cans, 1 and 2.5 L bottles ! Yep draft beer again, go grab one, you won’t regret it.

Fantastic tap bar with great selection of beers, pilsners, stouts, etc. Ben and Jools are fab hosts and very knowledgeable in their field. Added bonus is that dogs are welcome.

Small friendly tap room and wine bar mid way in high street. Good variety of well kept beers and well designed seating to accommodate all. One senses knowledgeable owner who was very much about; service was relaxed and welcoming. Perfect.

A friendly welcome and a great range of beers etc. The bar at the far end is well laid out with clear signage and a very helpful bar person. Contactless payment is available and very wheelchair friendly. We drank some good ales and the option of a 2/3rds measure is a good innovation. We will definitely be back for more pork pies and chorizo (vegan friendly) peanuts.

This is an absolute asset to Christchurch. Ben and Ally are really friendly and work hard to create a happy atmosphere. We go almost every Friday after work and always get a welcome. They were closed for two weeks and we did try somewhere else but it was not as good. The beer is excellent, apparently and so is the wine and cider.

Fab service from friendly owners, dog friendly too which is vital. Beers and ciders are unique, highly recommend

You could go for a drink anywhere in Christchurch, but the Crafty Tap is absolutely 100% a place to go if you like beer, wine or cider. I’ve never been in a friendlier bar with a great atmosphere and brilliant selection of beers. Next time...

This was a great find on our short stay in Christchurch. The selection of beers is incredible. The owner (Ben) is extremely friendly, welcoming and very knowledgeable about the beers he sells. Well worth a visit