Nothing satisfies quite like a plate piled high with slow-smoked meat kissed by fire and seasoned to perfection.
If you’re like us, you’ve spent way too much time chasing that perfect smoky bite—only to be let down by dry brisket or bland ribs that just don’t quite fall off the bone.
But don’t worry—we’ve done the (very delicious) work for you. London might not be the Deep South, but trust us; there are smokehouses here that would make even the most seasoned pitmasters nod in approval.
So loosen that belt, grab extra napkins (you’re gonna need them), and sink your teeth into London’s best smokehouses. We promise your cravings will be satisfied.
How much does a typical meal at a smokehouse in London cost?
A typical meal costs between £15 and £40 at a smokehouse in London. However, the final price may change depending on the location of the restaurant, your choice of meat, and whether you order extra sides and drinks.
How we chose
- Quality of the Meat – A great smokehouse starts with premium cuts. We focused on places that serve tender, flavourful meats with just the right balance of juiciness and texture.
- Authenticity of the Smoking Process – We looked for smokehouses that embrace traditional methods. We considered wood selection, smoking duration, and temperature control.
- Atmosphere and Ambiance – A smokehouse should feel inviting. We considered the overall dining experience, from the cosy warmth of the space to the irresistible aroma of slow-smoked meat filling the air.
- Value for Money – Quality barbecue isn’t necessarily cheap, but it should feel worth it. We considered portion sizes, meat quality, and overall experience to ensure diners get the best value.
- Customer Reviews – We spoke with regulars, barbecue enthusiasts, and first-time visitors to get a broader perspective. Consistent praise for food, service, and authenticity played a big role in our selections.
1. Salt’s Smokehouse
Location: 79 New Broadway
Contact: +44 20 3488 5372
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
We recently visited Salt’s Smokehouse, drawn by their claim of being the area’s first fully Halal smokehouse. The fusion of Middle Eastern and Asian spices immediately caught our attention.
From the moment we arrived, the smoky aroma set the stage. We sampled a variety of their offerings, including the Wagyu brisket and short ribs. The quality of the meat was undeniable, and the slow-smoking process had clearly worked its magic.
The lamb ribs and chicken wings were equally flavourful and expertly well-smoked.
We were particularly impressed with the house-made sauces—the miso butter and chilli jam added a unique and delicious twist.
However, some patrons have mentioned that the portion sizes were smaller than expected. This is worth considering if you have a big appetite or prefer larger servings.
Despite that, the atmosphere is rustic and casual, which we liked. It adds to the charm of the overall dining experience.
For those who prefer to dine at home, Salt’s Smokehouse offers convenient online ordering through platforms like Just Eat.
Serves perfectly cooked brisket alongside flavourful sides
“We arrived after lunchtime and we had a really good experience. The waitress was helpful and explained everything. The brisket was well cooked and we ordered the Oklahoma Smash and Pulled Brisket with fries and coleslow on the side. The atmosphere was great. There was a photographer doing a shoot of the menu and we got a chocolate milkshake for free which was really nice. Excellent experience overall. Wheelchair accessibility: The restaurant is accessible by wheelchair.”
Dóri Pápai, Google Review
Ensures great service that leaves no complaints
“Amazing place for meat. The brisket is simply delicious and I could eat like 10 portions of it. You have to go here. Sides are also given in generous proportions. Service was good too. Nothing bad to say about this place at all, would definitely recommend.”
Shafeer Rishad, Google Review
2. SMOKESTAK
Location: 35 Sclater St
Contact: +44 20 3873 1733
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
We recently visited SMOKESTAK, a place that’s been generating quite a buzz. After experiencing it for ourselves, we can confidently say the hype is well-deserved.
They’ve mastered the art of combining expertly cooked meats with an industrial-chic atmosphere. The vibrant energy enhances the dining experience from the moment you walk in.
The 60-cover outdoor terrace is a definite plus, especially on a pleasant evening.
As you might expect, the menu is a carnivore’s dream. We dove right into the standout dishes, starting with the beef brisket. It truly lived up to the ‘melt-in-your-mouth’ description—incredibly tender and packed with flavour.
The charred pork belly ribs were another highlight. They have a perfect balance of smoky char and rich, fatty goodness.
We also noted their Bib Gourmand recognition from the MICHELIN Guide. This truly speaks to the quality and value they offer.
However, we did pick up on a few things. Some diners have mentioned the prices being on the higher side, which is something to consider.
Justifies its higher price with top-quality dishes
“This place did not disappoint – food was fantastic, I had the beef brisket & chips and the sticky toffee pudding for dessert. Staff were friendly, service was super quick. Slightly on the pricier side but rightfully so. I felt like it was reasonable for the quality. Only thing was how dark it was – i literally couldn’t see how to get in to the restaurant. there was a tiny darkly written “pull” sign on a dark door. Although this might just be a me problem. It was also super gloomy inside but I feel like this is just the vibes this place is going for.”
Jennie Denston, Google Review
Offers a well-curated wine list that complements every dish
“First time here and I was not disappointed by anything I experienced. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was dark and sexy – a perfect combination. The staff friendly and knowledgable about their menu and wine list was a perfect blend to compliment the food. This is a must go to venue so get it on your list of places to go in London.”
Gavin Guild, Google Review
3. Holy Smokes BBQ London
Location: Unit 26, Bow Triangle Business Centre, Holy Smokes BBQ, 26 Eleanor St
Contact: +44 7587 119407
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM
We visited Holy Smokes BBQ London because of their fully Halal menu and the promise of some serious smoked meats.
We started with their signature 12-hour smoked brisket bun. We were impressed by the tenderness of the brisket. The combination of sweet pickled red chillies and their unique coffee BBQ sauce was a real winner.
We also sampled the 7-hour smoked short rib, which was equally tender and flavourful. The homemade pickled cucumber, paired with that same fantastic coffee BBQ sauce, complemented it perfectly.
As burger lovers, we couldn’t resist trying the Texas brisket combo burger. We found it to be hearty and satisfying—juicy smash patty, cheese, gherkins, and tangy Texas mustard.
However, Holy Smokes primarily operates as a takeaway spot with limited outdoor seating. Consider grabbing your food to-go or arriving early to snag a seat.
Regardless of that, we appreciated the convenience of their online ordering system. They even partner with delivery platforms like Just Eat, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo.
Elevates flavours with a standout coffee barbecue sauce
“A spot we’ve been coming to a for a while and it does not disappoint. They’re known for doing amazing brisket. For me, the coffee barbecue sauce really this place up another level because the mid rib sandwiches was amazing. The ribs with the pickle always hits the spot and it’s perfect for someone who loves Smokey meats. The brisket-loaded fries is some of the best loaded fries I’ve had creating the perfect experience.”
LN Munch, Google Review
Creates a hidden gem experience in East London
“I have tried smoked meat in many countries especially Canada but nothing compares to the smoked Ribs and Brisket from Holy Smokes BBQ. This spot is a lowkey hidden gem in East London and for the huge portions they give, it’s worth the price. The owner is also extremely hospitable and is there to make sure you have an amazing experience. If you live in London or you are visiting, I would highly recommend checking them out.”
Shaheer Azmi, Google Review
4. Smoke Daddies
Location: 14 Hildreth St
Contact: +44 20 8772 3103
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Monday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Tuesday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
We recently ventured into the world of Smoke Daddies. It’s a place that’s been making waves on the BBQ scene.
Curious to see if their reputation for big flavours and even bigger portions held up, we weren’t disappointed in the quantity department.
Smoke Daddies is well known for their signature Risk It for a Brisket. Layered in a soft brioche bun with homemade slaw and house mayo, this 14-hour oak-and-hickory-smoked brisket is a true indulgence.
For variety, we also tried the Nashville-style crunchy chicken burger. This hot sauce-dipped, panko-fried chicken thigh on a brioche bun offered a refreshing contrast to the rich beef dishes.
While we enjoyed the food, we did hear feedback about their reservation system. Some customers mentioned issues with tables being given away within the 15-minute grace period, which can be frustrating.
Fortunately, Smoke Daddies offers online ordering through platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats. This can help you avoid the reservation hassle altogether.
Creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere with attentive service
“The food here is incredible – every bite is packed with smoky, rich flavors that feel like a celebration of BBQ perfection. The meats were tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, and the sides were just as impressive. The brooks brisket spicy mac’n’cheese is a must try! Delicious! The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and Abdul went out of his way to make sure we had a great experience. Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast or just someone who appreciates great food, this smokehouse is a must-visit. Can’t wait to come back!”
M Ali, Google Review
Accommodates spice preferences without compromising on taste
“I visited Smoke Daddies and tried their sticky bbq lamb ribs, loaded dirty fries, brisket mac and cheese, house slaw, and a cookies & cream milkshake. The fries and mac & cheese are usually spicy, but I asked for them mild, however that did not take away from their amazing flavour. They were both topped with brisket that was tasty & tender, and the mac and fries themselves were very enjoyable. The lamb ribs however were definitely the star of the show. They tasted absolutely incredible and just fell right off the bone. I highly recommend any visitors of Smoke Daddies to try the lamb ribs specifically, and I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed. The slaw and milkshake were good as well, but not particularly outstanding. Still, they complemented the meal perfectly. Overall, this was an impressive and enjoyable meal and I would definitely be happy to visit and eat here again.”
Andrei Riley, Google Review
5. Smokin’ Aces
Location: Whitecross St
Contact: +44 20 8772 3103
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Smokin’ Aces is a street food stall with a reputation for serious smoked meats. The smoky aroma alone was enough to draw us in.
Their menu? A carnivore’s delight. It features a 15-hour smoked pork shoulder, melt-in-your-mouth beef shins, and rich ox cheeks—clearly, they know their craft.
We went for the pulled pork belly sandwich, which featured tender pork and tangy pickles on a soft brioche bun. Each bite was an explosion of flavour.
The creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, grits, and homemade pickles were spot-on complements. They rounded out a proper BBQ experience, even on the street.
As a street food stall, lines are inevitable. If you’re in a hurry, you might end up waiting longer than expected to get your meal.
Adding to this inconvenience, they don’t have a dedicated seating area. As a result, you might need to stand or find a nearby spot to enjoy your food.
Creates magic with perfectly paired mac & cheese
“I’ve eaten here a couple of times and the food is absolutely top tier.. the pulled pork and the beef brisket are so good that my mouth is watering just thinking about it.. And paired with the Mac cheese – it’s just magic. Proper Quality. And the sauces are so good. I wish I was more local because I’d eat here way more. Mind you my waistline would easily cease to exist!. 100% recommend this stall”
Laura Jane, Google Review
Proves that great barbecue doesn’t need heavy sauces or rubs
“I don’t review places unless they’re really good or really bad. Fortunately, this place is the former. And when I say it’s really good, I mean it. Wow. A lot of barbeque places cover their food in sauces and rubs. At smokin aces it’s barbeque. It’s salt, it’s pepper and it’s love. It’s very, very easy to cover your meat in sauces and rubs and play it off as barbeque, but it’s not very easy, at all, to make excellent barbeque with just the smoke. Smokin aces does this. It’s tender, it’s well cooked, it’s juicy and it’s just absolutely perfect. Well done, thank you, and keep up the (absolutely) excellent work.”
Alex Connolly, Google Review
