The Cran & Dragon Pub on the Frimley Road

Several years ago we went to the Crab and Dragon on the Frimley Road following a recommendation from a friend. At the time it was a slightly strange fusion of an English pub and a Chinese restaurant, but it was unique and served good food and drink.

We decided to revisit it this weekend and discovered that it has been taken over by Ember Inns. Inside it has been opened out from what I remember and completely refitted with large leather seats, stools  and benches and lsolid wooden tables. There is a pleasant windowed area at the back looking over the garden which is laid out in a more restaurant style, but it is perfectly possible to eat anywhere. We chose to sit on a long L-shaped bench near to an impressive wine display.

For 1pm on a Saturday in seemed quite quiet with no queue at the bar, but a number of people were sitting in the restaurant area enjoying the winter sun through the windows. Service was quick and pleasant with a good selection of wine, beers and soft drinks. Ember Inns promote real ales and had a couple of small brewery ales on tap, and a newsletter indicating that they change them on a regular basis, with seasonal Christmas beers being followed by traditional winter ales and a Valetine’s selection. I had a well kept pint of Harviestoun’s Bitter & Twisted.

The food menu was quite extensive, with typical pub grub plus dishes like Goats Cheese & Caramelised Red Onion Tart and Chargrilled Halloumi Salad. We ordered Stuffed Mushroom Salad, Steak & Timothy Taylor Ale Pie and a Deluxe Beef Gourmet Burger. I was very pleasantly surprised as I placed the order to be told that the salad was one of a group of dishes in 2 for 1 promotion, and that my pie was also included. There was a flyer on the table highlighting the promotion but we had missed it and it was great to be told about it as soon I started to order. The food was already good value compared to many pubs, so this was a real bonus.

As you can see from the pictures the food was nicely presented with decent sized portions without being excessive. We all enjoyed our choices and I was particularly impressed with my pie which had plenty of tender meat in a lovely thick gravy. Again the service was good and the two staff we saw were friendly and welcoming throughout our visit.

One issue that did lose them some business while we were there is that children under 14 are not allowed inside. A family group arrived and were politely told that there younger child couldn’t come in. Depending on your view this may be a good or bad thing! In warmer weather this shouldn’t be a problem with the seating area outside.

So we will definitely go back for the good value food and for me to see what new quirky real ales they have found!

The Crab and Dragon in Camberley
220 Frimley Road, Camberley, GU15 2QJ.
tinyurl.com/yazeczw (check for menu and current promotions)

I have been there - seemed a friendly place to eat!