CrabShack Worthing
CrabShack is a nationally acclaimed and BRAVO Award winning seafood restaurant that sits in a sheltered yet sunny spot on Worthing’s glorious seafront. This beachfront shack offers up the freshest local fish and seafood, accompanied by a host of fabulous drinks and pleasing puds. The vibe is laid back, relaxed and unpretentious with a rustic interior to make anyone feel welcome – while it may look no frills to some, it delivers plenty of thrills with the unfailing fantastic service and the tasty dishes on offer.
The Food
CrabShack quickly won the hearts of the Worthing locals by offering exceptional fish and seafood dishes at affordable prices and became recognised nationally as a reason to take a seaside trip. The menu changes daily due to seasonal availability and the catch of the fish and shellfish that day.
Expect to find delicious dishes from inspired fish stews, clam chowders, whole-dressed crab with the finest hand picked claw meat served with brown meat and fresh crab crostini, old-school prawn cocktails, crispy squid, and fresh Sussex lobsters. They keep their menu small as everything is freshly prepared and cooked to order by the 5 chef team – who believe passionately in honest, simple flavours and letting the amazing ingredients do the talking whilst giving great value for money.
CrabShacks Philosophy
Locality is the key to CrabShack’s philosophy of serving fresh, sustainable fish and seafood, working with Sussex suppliers for produce and BNFS and Fish Galore who deliver their daily catch. A handful of their seafood comes from further afield due to the sheer quality and flavour they bring – the mussels from Fowey, Cornwall, make a lip smacking appearance to CrabShack when they are in season and are not to be missed.
Drinks at CrabShack
When it comes to matching your meal with a drink then you are in safe hands with owner Andy, he spent years traversing the country as a wine connoisseur, and the wine list reflects well chosen tipples using local wine suppliers Burgundy Wines, Sheridan Coopers and featuring Sussex’s sparkling Ridgeview Bloomsbury. The Cocktail menu is filled with flavour, panache and punch and lovingly served up in style over the seasons. Warm your winter bones with a Velvet Old Fashioned or spritz up your summer with a refreshing Grape and Cucumber Martini.
If you endeavour to leave room for pudding, your tastebuds will thank you for it – indulge in homemade and warmed Orange Honey and Almond Polenta Cake or a lighter affogato, ice cream drowned in a shot of espresso. If you really want to get in the spirit of things and don’t have an aversion to alcohol you have to choose a boozy pud – House Salted Caramel Vodka and Salted Caramel Ice Cream is just one of many…yes please!
Location Location Location
We are spoiled by seaside eateries in Brighton, but for a change of scenery and keeping a blast of sea air, you’ll find CrabShack in Worthing perfectly positioned. The restaurant sits on the Worthing seafront with a low seawall giving a little bit of shelter on those more stormy days. The covered seating outdoors has a tented twinkling festival vibe with table heaters, blankets and even hot water bottles. Inside the rustic warmth continues with wooden clad walls, neons, handwritten daily menus and smells that will make your belly rumble. Those seeking a warm and friendly environment with the addition of amazing eats will find CrabShack hits all the notes.
Keeping it in the Family
This family-owned and run business launched in 2015, after sisters-in-law Sarah and Lynda spotted that there was little choice for-mid priced yet top quality fish and seafood dining – despite us living on an island! They wanted to do things their way after long careers in hospitality…and it paid off. With a whole heap of passion poured in, CrabShack very quickly became a success, so their husbands Andy and Phil, who happen to be brothers, were brought onboard and voila. They have all worked side by side since, roping in their kids along the way. In fact the whole team at CrabShack were hand-picked for their experience and mutual passion for food and service. Their trustworthy team have been a vital ingredient for the ongoing success of this beloved seaside gem.
Shack by Name, Shack by Nature
When the doors to CrabShack opened in 2015 it was essentially a tiny shack with a tiny kitchen, the dining space held one massive scaffolding table for 10, with 5 small tables squeezed into the nooks. Despite their tiny size, CrabShack’s ambition was large and over the years the restaurant expanded through to next door and outside. While there are many more tables for lucky customers, it maintains that shack feel, especially on those summer evenings when it’s a full house and the waiting staff’s agility comes into play. On that note a special shout out to the 5 strapping chefs who have immaculately honed spatial skills that deliver impeccable dishes from a compact kitchen…the staff bond is very real.
For all of the family
Children are very welcome at CrabShack – we know some coastal kids love their seafood and are more adventurous, but simple fresh fishy bites seem to be a big winner for hungry youngsters. Highchairs are also available, and if you make a note when booking you’ll be seated appropriately.
Do keep an eye on the CrabShack socials for when the Pod (food truck a la CrabShack) comes out onto the promenade. From the Pod they serve takeaway menu items – from fireworks night fodder to summertime beach friendly snacks. You can grab the food and give your kids, and the dog, the freedom of the beach while you devour the daily offerings – a godsend when you can’t get a table in summer! The Pod also ventures out further than the doorstep to events and special nights around Sussex – so if you fall in love with their food, then best follow them for all the latest news.
Worth the trip?
Believe us – leaving the bright city lights of Brighton and jumping on the 700 coastliner bus, to get the CrabShack experience or having a scenic cycle from Brighton to Worthing along the coast path is well worth the effort for a great lunch at the end! You might find it impossible to leave their cosy patio, but if you do fancy extending your Worthing day out we can recommend a stroll down the seafront, and hit the pier arcades (much cheaper than Brighton sshh) amusements. CrabShack has blazed a trail for the Worthing restaurant scene so do keep your eyes peeled for the newest culinary kids on the block as you tour the town.
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Getting There
Visited for the first time last weekend and wanted to find out what the fuss was and travelled from Brighton. Brilliant spot to hangout, love the vibe here and decor along with really outstanding service and food . See why it’s a Bravo winner. Well done Crabshack!