David Carter is a Barbados-born chef renowned for his successful restaurant empire in London. He has cultivated a diverse culinary portfolio, ranging from the acclaimed wood-fired BBQ at Smokestak and regional...
Insights
BbqAmericanLatin AmericanMexicanVegan-friendlyModerateLunchDinnerCasualCocktail Bar
Last updated: 5/20/2026, 4:20:10 PM
Key Information
Smokestak is renowned for its wood-smoked meats, offering a menu centered around slow-cooked, flavorful cuts. The restaurant features a 60-cover outdoor terrace and is known for its cool, dimly lit atmosphere, often accompanied by German electronic beats. It's considered a pioneer in London's BBQ scene.
Customers consistently praise the food, describing the meats as 'absolutely amazing,' 'cooked to perfection,' 'incredibly tender,' and 'rich in smoky flavour.' Dishes like the brisket, tacos, and crispy ox cheek are frequently highlighted. The service is often lauded as 'fun, friendly, very efficient,' and 'attentive.' The atmosphere is described as 'great,' 'warm, lively, and welcoming,' and 'buzzing.' Some minor criticisms include tables being close together and music sometimes making conversation difficult.
Additional Details
Smokestak offers a vibrant dining experience with a focus on high-quality, smoked meats. It's also noted for its delicious cocktails and a lively, energetic ambiance.
Vegetarian options available (e.g., raspberry sorbet, chips, and likely sides)Accommodates some dietary preferences
Best Times to Visit
The restaurant can get very busy, especially for dinner, with later slots often fully booked. It is highly recommended to book in advance, particularly for evening visits.
5
The best. Fab service and advice. Started with pickle shots and chilli cocktails. Lush. The food was insanely good. Tried the pigtails (very good), but highlights were the ox cheek, bone marrow sourdough and of course the brisket!! Best I’ve ever eaten. We’ll be back!
A really great restaurant! Cannot recommend enough the burnt end tacos and the pineapple crumble. Also, the chips were actually amazing. Perfect salt level. The actual meats we got, brisket and pulled pork, were good, but missing some flavor. As Americans we’re used to there being more BBQ sauces and things like that to spice it up, and would’ve loved to see that here. However, great menu, great place, would come back!
This place is really really good. Texas barbecue in London done well is a rare thing. Beautiful meat, juicy and tender. Yum Hazy beer. Finished off with a perfect sticky date pudding, generous sauce with a beautiful salty finish and vanilla ice cream. A very rare and well deserved 5* from me. Make the effort to visit this place, you will not be disappointed.
I had an amazing meal at SMOKESTAK. Every dish we ordered was extremely delicious. The bone marrow, brisket and ribs are must-haves, and the pork belly was fantastic. Don't skip the ox cheek croquettes or the beetroot either!
The service was very nice and efficient. It’s a popular spot, so reservations are highly recommended. I would come again here for sure. Can't wait for my next visit.
I visited SMOKESTAK recently with a group of friends and had a great experience. The food was excellent – full of flavour, cooked on spot, fresh and perfectly. The meat was very tender and juicy with a rich smoky taste. We ordered couple of things including ox cheek, ribs, bone, burger and sides. I want to put here that it was all amazing!
The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and the staff were friendly and attentive throughout our visit. They were smiling all the time and so quick in serving so I would say one of the best spots in London for service. Despite being crowded and the lack of reservartion, it is worth it!
In means of pricing, given the portions of the plates, service, food and quality, it is reasonable cheap and a-must-try! I strongly recommend having reservations because it is a hype meatery!
Overall, a fantastic place for great food. I’d definitely recommend it and will be coming back.
