Crocker's Folly (Restaurant)

Top 10 things you need to know about Crocker's Folly:

1) Imagine this: you want to see Little Venice or a cricket match at Lord’s, but you’re not sure what else to visit to justify the trek to the far-flung realm of St John’s Wood. Well, here's your reason: Crocker's Folly, a local pub secreted away in a quiet residential street frequented only by locals, until you arrive.

2) But it’s more than just a local pub. Step across the threshold and prepare to be warped back in time to the quaint times of the Victorian era. An opulent and spacious Victorian decor welcomes patrons just as it always has since 1892 with a handsome bar, a spacious dining area and an enormous event space, Did we mentioned the outdoor terrace yet?

3) Make yourself comfortable in the grand, grade-II listed building with its hanging chandeliers, Romanesque columns, dark mahogany wood bar top and browse the massive menu offering more dishes than a Chinese buffet. The menu changes cuisine every year and 2017 was the taste of Lebanon, the Middle East and some of Crocker’s Folly very own signature creation.

4) You're well taken care of by the smartly dressed waiting staff. They’ll ask for your dietary requirements, even before you remember to remind them. Small touches go a long way.

5) Can’t decide from the never-ending list of dishes on offer? We’re here to help. Start with Soujok: homemade Lebanese spicy sausages, sautéed in tomato sauce. The aubergine and pomegranate Kibbeh - deep-fried lamb meatballs filled with sautéed minced meat, onions with garlic sauce - are classic Lebanese dishes worth trying.

6) For mains, you can’t go wrong with a mixed grill: flavourful charcoal-grilled skewers of seasoned minced lamb, and heavenly chunks of chicken served with garlic sauce. We just wish there was a little more.

7) Those with a sweet tooth might find the Baklawa lacking in something. Sad to say, there was not much to distinguish it from what you can purchase at your local shop.

8) Planning an almighty party? Or a London wedding reception? A special family dinner perhaps? There are not many pubs that can fit 300 people comfortably. The big round tables mean Crocker's Folly is ideal for big groups too.

9) Want to avoid the crowd? Weekday visits are your best bet. Tuesday night felt like having the place to yourself and your buddy. Avoid Saturdays, so we're told, when the locals come out in force.

10) This is possibly the most opulent pub you’ll ever visit. Giving you one more reason, beside Little Venice and cricket, to visit St John’s Wood....read more