It's only been a matter of days since pubs reopened in the UK, which meant only one thing... I simply had to pay a visit to one of my all time favourite bars, Craft & Cleaver. What’s more, on my visit I was lucky enough to sit down with the man behind the business, owner Adam Richardson
Since opening their doors back in 2015, Craft & Cleaver has gone from strength to strength. While at the core of the business is barbecue, cocktails & craft beer, they go beyond simply serving these well loved choices, by positioning their unique flare and style at the heart of what they do. However, it wasn't until I sat down with Adam that I fully understood how they have achieved making this a truly exclusive experience.
The story starts with Adam's background as a restaurateur, and extensive knowledge of craft beers and cocktails. Nevertheless, his vision was to create something more exclusive than what you can get in the local pub. Trips to the US inspired his BBQ cooking style and he knew that there was huge scope to translate this into something special back home.
You won't find Adam in the kitchen though, he leaves that to his talented chefs & 'Pitmasters' in the kitchen, a term reserved solely for experienced Barbecue chefs. Adam works closely on ideas with the kitchen team, but his place isn't in the kitchen - in fact he tells me that he's focussing on building the brand and actively looking for another site.
"All of our meat is sourced in fresh to serve the best cuts from high welfare farms. We take great pride in that! Take our brisket for example, that is prepared & cooked for up to 48 hours before it hits your plate" Adam expresses with delight. "We butcher it to leave just a couple of centimetres of fat covering the top, then rub it in our secret recipe rub. You have to understand that too much fat will make it greasy, and not enough will make it go dry. Many people don't realise, but BBQ is an art form. Which is why our Pitmasters are some of the most experienced Barbecue chefs in the country".
All of our meat is sourced in fresh to serve the best cuts from high welfare farms - Adam Richardson, Business Owner, Craft & Cleaver
This is one of the elements which makes this place what it is, from the experienced mixologists making your cocktails, to the food coming out of the kitchen, all presented by their super friendly and knowledgeable waiting staff. The quality and attention to detail is what truly makes this slick bar & restaurant so satisfying and important. No corners are cut and customer experience is undoubtedly at the heart of what Craft & Cleaver offer... Even down to the considered hand sanitiser on every table.
The style of food here has undoubtedly been tailored to a sharing experience. Customisable sharing platters are the order of the day, all complete with vegetarian and vegan options too. "We of course offer a wide range of appetisers, small platters and sides too. But we pride ourselves in being able to tailor any order to our customers requirements too"... and they mean it! What excites me most about some of the latest updates to the menu is their exclusive approach to combining beer with meat, and using the smoker, grill (and beer) for influence in their cocktails. This contemporary serving style will have you sinking more than just one grilled pineapple Mai Tai, watermelon Margarita or milk stout Espresso Martini!
Many of you are here for the beer, and it is no less than integral to the menu as mentioned above! The selection is epic to say the least, with the fonts and fridge loaded with a wicked selection of craft beer including; Buxton, Overtone, Arbor, Cloudwater and Verdant to name a few! This is always being replenished and updated too. Adam muses "Back when we first started I would be driving in and out of London, and all over, to pick up barrels and cans. It's what enables us offer such a wide selection to our customers. We still like to do that now to support local breweries, as well as source from further afield when I can't get there!"
Without paying this absolute gem a visit, it's hard to say much more than simply wet ones appetite with what you can experience at the Craft & Cleaver, it must be visited to be appreciated! Like I say, this isn't just about barbecue, cocktails and craft beer, but an experience delivered by masters of their craft in what celebrates not only the best of UK bbq style food... but St Albans food and drink, at its best.
Do yourself a favour and drop in! Even if its just for a beer, I guarantee you won't leave without being enticed to try some of their famous 'Burnt Ends'...
BOOK YOUR TABLE AND FOLLOW CRAFT & CLEAVER BELOW
RESERVE YOUR TABLE AT CRAFT & CLEAVER HERE
BOOK OVER THE PHONE: 01727 568300
VISIT THEIR WEBSITE: www.craftcleaver.co.uk
DIRECTIONS VIA GOOGLE MAPS HERE
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