Harden's survey result
Summary
“Outstanding, really tasty Lebanese food” can be a surprise find at this “very ornate pub” – a beautifully restored, late-Victorian, Renaissance-style gin palace in St John’s Wood, whose dazzling interior was originally supposed to act as that of a major railway hotel (due to the ‘folly’ of the owner, as the tracks ultimately ended up terminating in Marylebone). In its current guise, it’s “one of the few Maroush group restaurants that survived post-Covid”.
Summary
“Classic up-market Lebanese food” and “a good choice of Lebanese wines” from the Maroush group can be enjoyed in the unlikely surroundings of this lavish late-Victorian gin palace – a ‘folly’ constructed in the mistaken expectation that a railway terminus would be built nearby (the site turned out to be Marylebone). “The front bar is a reconstruction of the original pub, and is great for a pre-dinner drink”. Top Tip – “avoid Lord’s cricket days, when it gets busy with rowdy fans”.
Summary
The unique combination of a “beautiful venue” – an ornate late-Victorian pub built in the mistaken expectation that a railway terminus would arrive in St John’s Wood – and “wonderful Lebanese food” from the Maroush Group has made this unlikely destination one of the higher-rated restaurants in north London.
Summary
“Very ornate interiors” at this “fascinating pub” were created thanks to a misguided late-Victorian entrepreneur who thought a major railway terminus would be built in St John’s Wood. For the last few years, it’s been a new departure for the Maroush group, and – after a poor start dabbling with traditional British cuisine – it’s “getting better now that they’ve returned to their Lebanese roots”. Mezze and kebabs in a pub may seem an odd mix and it is “a difficult place to get to”, but by all accounts it’s worth the effort.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Crocker's Folly?
23-24 Aberdeen Place, London, NW8 8JR
Restaurant details
Crocker's Folly Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Fantastic decoration but sadly best room was closed. Attentive service"
"The room was absolutely beautiful. The food was good and very large portions - we ordered to share and had more than we needed. Good choice of vegetarian dishes. Music was a little loud so we asked to have it turned down. "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £24.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.75 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
23-24 Aberdeen Place, London, NW8 8JR
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Friday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑12 am |
Best Lebanese restaurants nearby
Lebanese restaurant in Bayswater
Lebanese restaurant in Marble Arch
Lebanese restaurant in Knightsbridge
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
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