CRATE Walthamstow

The Drift bar is beyond hope, just terrible. Its promise and reality are miles apart. Website says: "The Drift is more than just a cocktail bar - it’s a retreat from the hustle and bustle, offering a refined yet relaxed atmosphere to unwind" Reality: Most of the tables dirty and still full of mess left by previous occupants. There is nothing refined or relaxed. Website says: "a space where great drinks meet calm energy." Reality: children running around and screaming, jumping on the furniture while people watch videos on their phones. Website says: "The menu is crafted with quality and accessibility in mind, ensuring premium cocktails remain affordable." It's a pity the accessibility doesn't extend to their own staff knowing how to make the cocktails. The list is very basic in the first place, but I was told by the barman he didn't know how to make my choice. So I went for the most basic - a negroni, three ingredients - and the claimed he didn't have the required ingredients. Even getting a beer was a struggle. Website says: "For a beautifully balanced cocktail experience, visit The Drift at the Food Hall @ 17&Central." No. Please DO NOT. It is beyond hope. There is nothing redeeming on offer here. A cocktail bar that can't make cocktails, in a dirty children's playground. Go anywhere else. As to the rest of the food hall, a couple of okay food options but most of the time the places seem shut – whether I have visited on a weekday or weekend, afternoon or evening.

Tried something from each vendor with the family and the food was amazing. The staff were very friendly and welcoming as well. They asked if I needed a high chair and brought one for me which was really nice. The food hall was very clean and maintained by the staff. There were alot of birthday parties which was really nice to see and there was a kids halloween event in a room. They do quiet a few activities for kids which is really good and something we need in this area. I will definitely be letting people know about this space.

I went on a Tuesday lunchtime, I had a beef burrito 🌯 at carne mexican food.it was OK but nothing amazing. And while I was there it was overun with parents and babies. The place is kept nicely clean by a lady clearing the tables and the toilets are clean to.

honestly don’t even know where to start with this place. came in starving after a long shift, just wanted something quick to eat, and this woman in a cleaning uniform basically blocked my path and started asking me questions before i’d even got through the door properly. what am i ordering, do i have outside food, am i meeting someone. i’m sorry but who are you?? i was so taken aback i just stood there. got my food, sat down, and she kept looking over at me the entire time i was eating. stared me out the whole meal. said nothing to me but the staring was enough. left feeling more stressed than when i arrived. joke of a place

The soft play itself is good, especially for little ones. It’s a nice space for toddlers and younger children to run around and burn off some energy. I would say it’s best suited for children up to about 4 years old, as older kids might find it a bit small. One nice touch is that you can buy coffee from outside and bring it in, which is great for parents. However, the staff are quite strict about where chairs are placed and making sure you’re sitting at a table. We were told off three times about chair locations and seating, which made the experience feel a bit uncomfortable. Overall it was okay, but the strict rules around seating took away from the relaxed atmosphere a bit.