Harden's survey result
Summary
David Carter’s “industrial-chic BBQ restaurant” off Brick Lane, is inspired by the southern US grill-house tradition. The high-ceilinged room is “dominated by a vast smoker” which sends out a succession of outstanding and “well-priced smoked meats”, alongside dishes like grilled hispi cabbages and roast aubergines in red miso. Sides, desserts and drinks are similarly no-nonsense.
Summary
Some of “the best smoked meat in London” (including “excellent brisket”) is prepared on the charcoal in front of you, alongside “some fantastic sides” at David Carter’s rugged, southern US-style grill-house, just off Brick Lane. Just one complaint: “the room is nice, but smokey”.
Summary
Some of “the best smoked meat in London” (including “excellent brisket”) is prepared on the charcoal in front of you, alongside “some fantastic sides” at David Carter’s rugged, southern US-style grill-house, just off Brick Lane. Just one complaint: “the room is nice, but smokey”.
Summary
“Incredible, slow-cooked smoked meats” makes David Carter’s moodily designed grill-house, just off Brick Lane – arranged around a 2m width of glowing charcoal, complete with grilling paraphernalia and dudish chefs – a mecca for meat-hungry hipsters. “Good beer and cocktail selection” too.
For 31 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Smokestak?
Restaurant details
Smokestak Restaurant Diner Reviews

"Smokestak is what you would expect from its name. When I last tried it’s good, it was through dishpatch but trying it from its restaurant, the standard is on and above par. It’s funky decor is what you would expect from the brick lane neighbor. Love the beef ribs. Just wish they would give more pickles chili. "

"Great food with some surprise hits (who knew that chargrilled cabbage is totally delicious?). The room is a little smoky but the food well worth going there for. Service is fast and friendly."
Prices
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Wine per bottle | £27.00 |
Filter Coffee | £2.00 |
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Bread | £0.00 |
Service | 10.00% |
35 Sclater Street, London, E1 6LB
Opening hours
Monday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
Tuesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
Wednesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
Saturday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
Sunday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
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