Big Easy Bar.B.Q & Crabshack - Canary Wharf
London
Visit during weekends or bank holidays to enjoy 3 hours of free parking with a minimum spend.
Big Easy Bar.B.Q & Crabshack at Canary Wharf is a bustling American barbecue and seafood restaurant situated on the Park Level of the Crossrail Place in London's financial district. Known for its relaxing atmosphere and live music, this venue blends a laid-back vibe with the dynamic energy of Canary Wharf. Providing a taste of the American Gulf Coast, the restaurant offers a hearty menu that includes barbecue classics and fresh seafood, notably East Coast lobster.
The space features a spacious 150-seat terrace that offers alfresco dining options throughout the year, a rarity in the area. The lively atmosphere is amplified by an impressive 10-meter bar that houses an extensive selection of over 550 spirits, including unique rum varieties available at the Rum Bar & Lounge. The lounge, inspired by Jamaica's Port Royal in the 1700s, offers views of Canary Wharf and underscores the venue's theme of fun and relaxation
Big Easy is designed to cater to various group sizes and events, accommodating up to 750 guests. There are options for private dining and smaller social gatherings, including the Captain’s Table, which offers a unique dining experience styled in the manner of classic tall ship dining rooms. For those looking to engage in shared experiences, the restaurant provides opportunities for cocktail-making classes and barbecue pit masterclasses.
Live bands frequently perform, adding an engaging layer of entertainment to the dining experience. The venue also provides state-of-the-art sound equipment and facilities for corporate needs, making it a flexible space for both social and professional events.
Reviews
Stumbled across the Big Easy in Canary Wharf. Our waiter recommended the ultimate bruch which is 2hrs of BBQ food consisting of pulled pork, ribs and chicken with a side of beans and slaw. We also opted to upgrade to unlimited drinks for 2hrs which only cost £5. The food arrived quickly and was very good. Never even finished the plate and another plate of meats arrived, the BBQ is to die for. The unlimited drinks weren't really unlimited we had our 1st one and waited ages for more despite asking 3 times.
The food was without spices, the seafood platter was not cleaned of waste, the crab was just empty, the potatoes were not salted and half raw, the steak was overcooked, of course the well done can't be juicy but it was just coal. The service really can be better. Rasul saved the situation and gave us the best service! Thanks to him, our visit was a pretty good. 5 stars for him!
For what we seen on the net and looking at Google reviews, was disappointing experience. Booked a table of 3, we arrived earlier about 15 minutes, we have been told at entrance desk to sit by the bar and wait for a text message. We went out on the terrace instead as bar was quite crowded with noisy people. Nice views, but the new building is taking a fair bit of view... Text message came shortly after 4pm, and we went back to entrance desk to be seated. Been seated by the stand where live music is, opposite Rum bar & lounge. Been given only 2 menus even we have been 3 guests. We had to call the waiter after about 15 / 20 minutes as no one came to ask if we ready to order... We ordered the Pitmaster Bar BQ sandwich and the Bar BQ Blow Out + deep fried calamari. As drinks we had banana colada and the BIg Easy brew ( should have gone for Guinness) . The food arrived fairly quick... The Pitmaster sandwich came as a burger ( in a burger bun, nothing to do with a sandwich apart of the name ) We have been wrongly advised in ordering the Bar BQ Blow Out as we asked twice about the size of the portion ( one would have been enough meat wise, at least for us ) The deep fried calamari was really oily, not edible, we left it on the plate... Was greasy and tasteless... Chicken for the Blow Out dish really cheap taste... Nothing to do with a barbequed chicken... During the meal, staff came once to ask if everything ok... At the end once we have been asked if we finished, table was cleaned and we get the bill without being offered at least the dessert option as usual in such place... We have not been told about the discretionary charge option, this just been added straight to the bill, so check your bill before you pay, as prices are covering the service well. Not need of a charge on top... I have to mention the live music, we caught the last to songs, at least live music was nice. As a note, by the entrance desk there is quite a decent size sign stating that they don't accept cash, but they do accept cash!!! I have to say that seeing the sign we are cashless was disappointing but when been told they do take cash was nice... And we did split bill and paid card and cash. As a conclusion, it wasn't the worst experience we have dining out, but not best as well. It wasn't the wowww experience which we expected, and I don't believe that the rating on Google is reflected fairly. For cocktails & drinks & the views from the terrace it may be worth, but food and service at the table is not there. Go and try yourself, this is purely our opinion and our experience... But there are better places out there...
I was skeptical about trying American barbecue in London, but this place definitely didn’t disappoint. I got the burger and fries, a milkshake, and the full lobster, and it was all really good. I’d give the burger a 3.95/5, the fries a 4/5, and both the lobster and milkshake a solid 5/5. The service was also great — definitely a 5/5. Same with the atmosphere. There was so much attention to detail to make it feel like an authentic American barbecue spot. Even the washrooms were set up to match the vibe, and you can tell a lot of planning went into the entire establishment. The staff were very friendly, the vibe was great, and there was also a beautiful view of the wharf.
The Big Easy is a total gem. Tucked away among the sleek skyscrapers of the Financial District and just a stone’s throw from the Elizabeth Line, this Texas-inspired BBQ smokehouse feels like a wonderful escape from the city’s modern architecture. As someone who smokes my own meats and lives for a good BBQ, I have high standards—and this place did not disappoint. The meat was incredibly juicy, packed with flavour, and hit all the right smoky notes. If you’re thirsty, they’ve got you covered with a massive selection, including their own brew served in impressive steins. I highly recommend checking out their daily and lunchtime specials; the portions are generous and the value is unbeatable. The vibe is rounded out perfectly by live music every night, which adds a great country feel without being over the top. The only thing I’d change? I’d clear a little space for line dancing! Honestly, if I owned a restaurant, it would look exactly like this. I can’t wait to find an excuse to head back.
