Eddie PhilipsThere’s something magical about the aroma of sizzling meat on charcoal, the smoky sweetness of ribs glazed to perfection, and the social warmth that comes with outdoor cooking. Barbecue culture has exploded in the UK over the last decade, with world-class pitmasters, gourmet smokehouses, and backyard-style joints redefining how Britons enjoy grilled food.
Whether you’re in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, or a quiet corner of Cornwall, this guide lists the Top best 50 BBQ restaurants in the UK worth visiting — each offering its unique twist on the art of flame and smoke.
Top Best 50 BBQ In The UK
1. Bodean’s BBQ (London)
A London BBQ legend inspired by Kansas City traditions, Bodean’s offers melt-in-the-mouth baby back ribs, smoky pulled pork, and brisket sandwiches. It’s casual, loud, and full of authentic smokehouse energy.
2. Smokestak (Shoreditch, London)
Smokestak is where BBQ meets fine dining. Their oak-smoked brisket, sticky ribs, and charred sweet potatoes are nothing short of smoky perfection. The industrial décor completes the experience.
3. Red’s True Barbecue (Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham)
Known for its slogan “Let there be meat,” Red’s True Barbecue serves slow-cooked goodness like Carolina pulled pork, beef brisket, and pit beans in a lively, American-style setting.
4. The Smoke Haus (Cardiff & Swansea)
This Welsh BBQ institution offers big flavours and even bigger portions — think giant ribs, smoky wings, and burgers dripping with hickory sauce.
5. Pitt Cue Co (London)
An iconic name in British BBQ, Pitt Cue’s cult following grew from a humble food truck. Today, it’s famed for smoked meats, house pickles, and bourbon-based cocktails.
6. Prairie Fire BBQ (White City, London)
Founded by a Kansas native, this spot brings authentic American BBQ to the capital. Their burnt ends and mac ‘n’ cheese combo is legendary.
7. Big Easy (Covent Garden & Canary Wharf)
A lively mix of BBQ, seafood, and live blues music, Big Easy delivers an unbeatable Southern US experience — their “All You Can Eat” rib night is a crowd favourite.
8. Hickory’s Smokehouse (Nationwide)
With multiple locations across the UK, Hickory’s brings authentic Southern BBQ with slow-smoked brisket, sticky chicken wings, and signature BBQ sauces.
9. Blue’s Smokehouse (Bracknell & Twyford)
Blue’s takes pride in low-and-slow cooking. The Texas-style beef brisket and Memphis ribs make it a must-visit for true BBQ enthusiasts.
10. Smokeworks (Cambridge)
A trendy Cambridge joint offering big BBQ flavours in a compact space. Expect pulled pork buns, brisket, ribs, and craft beers galore.
11. The Rib Man (London)
Famous at Brick Lane Market, The Rib Man’s hot rib rolls and homemade “Holy F***” sauce are a cult favourite among Londoners.
12. Duke’s Brew & Que (London)
The birthplace of Beavertown Brewery, Duke’s serves legendary short ribs and smoky chicken wings alongside craft beers.
13. Smoke & Bones (Belfast)
A Northern Irish gem offering brisket, ribs, and BBQ platters served with creamy slaw and bourbon-laced sauces.
14. Red Dog Saloon (London, Nottingham, Liverpool)
Inspired by American smokehouses, Red Dog Saloon offers Texas-style BBQ, smoke-cooked meats, and fiery challenges for the brave.
15. The White Hart (Somerset)
Combining traditional pub charm with wood-fired BBQ, The White Hart serves locally sourced meats smoked to perfection.
16. Holy Smoke BBQ (Bristol)
Known for tender ribs and slow-cooked brisket, Holy Smoke’s pitmaster-style menu blends American flavour with local British produce.
17. Grillstock Smokehouse (Bristol & Bath)
Grillstock’s BBQ festivals made them famous, but their smokehouse restaurants keep fans coming back for ribs, pulled pork, and chilli dogs.
18. The Blues Kitchen (London, Manchester, Liverpool)
This BBQ and live music venue combines soul food and Southern-style BBQ — try the smoked short ribs and bourbon-glazed wings.
19. Smokin’ Brads (Edinburgh)
A hidden gem in Scotland’s capital, Smokin’ Brads offers tender ribs and BBQ wraps perfect for casual dining.
20. HotBox London
Industrial-style décor and Texas-inspired BBQ. The smoked brisket tacos and sticky ribs are simply phenomenal.
21. Rib & Lobster (Harrogate)
A unique surf-and-turf BBQ experience, pairing juicy ribs with buttery lobster tails in a cosy setting.
22. The Smoke Pit (Northampton)
This modern smokehouse is famous for brisket burgers, smoked ribs, and their signature BBQ platters for sharing.
23. BBQ Dreams (Cambridge Street Food Hero)
This award-winning street food stall serves Filipino-inspired BBQ, including sticky chicken and smoky pork skewers.
24. Low and Slow (Birmingham)
A Birmingham icon known for mouthwatering BBQ boxes, smoked brisket, and loaded fries.
25. Hang Fire Southern Kitchen (Barry, Wales)
Run by two women who toured America’s Deep South to master BBQ, Hang Fire offers authentic slow-smoked meats with Welsh hospitality.
26. Smokey Joe’s BBQ (Cheltenham)
Retro Americana meets smokehouse cooking — expect ribs, burgers, and shakes in a nostalgic 1950s diner setting.
27. Smoke Stack (Edinburgh)
Known for generous portions and perfectly smoked meats, this Edinburgh restaurant is a local favourite for ribs and steak.
28. Pit Stop BBQ (Leeds)
A food truck turned cult classic — Pit Stop BBQ serves loaded brisket sandwiches and pitmaster platters worth every bite.
29. Smokehouse (Islington, London)
Offering refined BBQ dining, this gastropub focuses on British meats cooked with smoke and care.
30. Prairie BBQ & Smokehouse (Liverpool)
This place brings Kansas-style BBQ to Merseyside, with tender ribs and rich, smoky brisket.
31. Bison Beer BBQ Shack (Brighton)
Brighton’s seafront favourite — enjoy beach vibes, craft beer, and smoky burgers at Bison’s BBQ Shack.
32. The Pit (Durham)
Durham’s best BBQ spot, serving Southern-style ribs, slaw, and pulled pork with an excellent beer selection.
33. Smoky Barrel (Norwich)
Family-run smokehouse with hickory-smoked chicken and tender beef brisket, slow-cooked to perfection.
34. The Fat Pig (Exeter)
This pub-smokehouse hybrid delivers big BBQ flavour in a cosy setting — try the slow-smoked pork belly.
35. Red’s Street BBQ Truck (London)
A mobile version of Red’s True Barbecue, perfect for festivals and events.
36. The BBQ Club (London Southbank)
Tom Kerridge’s riverside BBQ pop-up offering creative, fine-dining twists on classic barbecue dishes.
37. Smokin’ Shack (Nottingham)
A casual BBQ joint with killer brisket sandwiches, smoked chicken, and sweet potato fries.
38. The Smokey Barrels (Birmingham)
A fun sports bar and smokehouse with rich BBQ platters, craft beer, and lively vibes.
39. Big Grillie Style (Aberdeen)
Scotland’s BBQ street food hero — massive burgers, smoky wraps, and pulled pork buns with bold sauces.
40. The Rib Shack (Bournemouth)
Locally loved for fall-off-the-bone ribs and backyard-style vibes, perfect for beachside BBQ lovers.
41. Smokin’ Bull (Sheffield)
Specialising in pit BBQ, this Sheffield gem serves brisket, pulled pork, and loaded fries with smoky perfection.
42. Smoke Stack Smokehouse (Liverpool)
Rustic, hearty, and delicious — their Texas-style brisket and cornbread sides are unbeatable.
43. The Smoke Room (Milton Keynes)
Modern BBQ dining at its best — with wood-fired steaks, ribs, and smoked chicken wings.
44. Burnt Orange (Brighton)
Elegant BBQ dining with Mediterranean flair — charred lamb skewers and smoked aubergine are highlights.
45. Texas Joe’s (London Bridge)
An authentic Lone Star BBQ experience with hearty brisket, jalapeño sausages, and craft beer.
46. Smokin’ Grill & Chill (Leeds)
Street-food-style BBQ joint serving smoky pulled pork wraps and beef ribs that fall apart beautifully.
47. The Lazy Pig (Beaconsfield)
A stylish pub offering smoked meats, grilled platters, and cocktails in a relaxing setting.
48. Smoky Boys (Watford & Hounslow)
Known for burgers, BBQ wings, and smoked ribs, Smoky Boys is a perfect mix of casual dining and great flavour.
49. MeatLiquor (Nationwide)
Although better known for burgers, their smoked meats and BBQ wings keep fans loyal.
50. The Rib Shack Smokehouse (Glasgow)
A Scottish favourite delivering smoky perfection with signature ribs, BBQ pulled pork, and hickory sauces.
Conclusion
From pit-smoked brisket to ribs glazed in honey bourbon sauce, the UK BBQ scene proves that great grilling isn’t just an American thing anymore. Whether you crave the comfort of slow-cooked classics or the excitement of modern smokehouse innovation, these 50 BBQ destinations offer something delicious for every appetite.