Harden's survey result
Summary
“Buzzing, noisy, hot and smoky” – this “incredibly popular” and “unembellished” tribute to the BBQ traditions of the American South started out as a market stall before moving into “darkish, modern-industrial” premises in Brick Lane eight years ago. On the menu: “some of the best roasted meats – the beef brisket is amazing as are a number of the side dishes”. (Founder David Carter has emerged as a hot-shot restaurant creative, following up with Italian nose-to-tail joint Manteca and, most recently, Greek-inspired double act Agora and Oma in Borough Market).
Summary
“Boldly seasoned, flavourful – unashamedly meat-heavy” – dishes are the simple hallmark of BBQ obsessive David Carter’s moodily dim-lit Brick Lane operation, inspired by the smokehouses of the American South. “Some interesting options on the menu” include salt-baked beetroot or charred greens with tahini and pomegranate.
Summary
“The hint is in the name” at David Carter’s “funky” Brick Lane venue, whose moody interior is inspired by southern US grill houses. Alongside the fingerlickin’ smoked meats and pickled chillies, there are “some surprise hits – who knew that chargrilled cabbage is totally delicious?”. “The dining room can be a bit smoky” – but that’s why you should never BBQ indoors at home!
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.
For 34 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?
35 Sclater Street, London, E1 6LB
Restaurant details
Smokestak Restaurant Diner Reviews
"A heavenly wall of smoke and meaty aromas hit you as soon as you walk through the door. The moreish pig tails and pastrami starters were highlights, as were the brisket and pork belly mains, whilst the pulled pork was surprisingly average. The salad and sides are punchy and cut through nicely."
"Holy smoke!!! Black, crisp, soft and melting meats. Very cool vibe but super friendly and flexible staff. Very good indeed. "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £39.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
35 Sclater Street, London, E1 6LB
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5:30 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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