4 Smoking Hot Grills In London That Left Us Sizzling

Georgie Jones • 18 March, 2016

This is one is for the serious meat lovers (vegetarians, we kindly redirect you here). As the London air is heating up, we wait in eager anticipation for BBQ season to begin once more. For now, while the sun is still not 100% reliable (although who’s to say it ever is?), we’ve been exploring London’s tastiest grilled food, to get us ready for the taste of smokey summer dining.

1. Bukowski Grill

After establishing fool-proof burger joints in Shoreditch and Brixton, it was about time Bukowski opened up a flagship restaurant. And this laid-back charcoal grill seriously does not disappoint. Go with an empty gut and expect big portions and even bigger flavours. The chicken wings are something you don’t want to miss – the BBQ sauce is some of the stickiest, tangiest stuff we’ve ever licked off our plates (no joke). Alongside a selection of ribs, beef and other tender meat off the grill, they also serve a range of their famously fully-loaded burgers. Whatever tempts you, wash it all down with a refreshing Frozen Margarita. And don’t forget to order a side of their deep-fried macaroni cheese squares. Oh. My. Gouda.

10 D’Arblay Street, Soho

2. Elliot’s Cafe

Located within Borough Market, Elliot’s Cafe takes a simple and mindful approach to cooking, using only the freshest and well-sourced ingredients. The menu changes daily, depending on what comes in to the market, which gives it a somewhat spontaneous feel. Whether you go for braised lamb shoulder, roast chicken or something more adventurous, such as ox-tail hearts, what you can expect from the meat is juicy flavours. They slow cook their dishes over a wood fire grill.

12 Stoney Street, SE1 9AD

3. The Joint

The Joint in Brixton Village serves finger-licking fast food at its finest. The menu isn’t fussy and is naturally very meat-heavy (all of it is free-range). The pulled pork is perfectly succulent, after being slow-cooked for 16 hours. We’d recommend this with a necessary side of hot wings. Napkins required.

Brixton Village, SW9 8PS

4. Smokehouse

Serving up thick cut coal-grilled prime cuts and slow cooked, melt in your mouth dishes, the Smokehouse does exactly what it says on the tin. The Sticky Pork Chop is a refined take on a BBQ classic and is seasoned to perfection. The Shortrib Bourguignon also gives the modest rib an exciting French twist. While they do not serve their A la Carte menu on Sundays, Smokehouse also do a fantastic roast.

63-69 Canonbury Rd, N1 2DG

Featured image credit: Bukowski Grill

Tags: bbq, grills, restaurants