SESSIONS RECOMMENDS IS OUR WEEKLY SERIES WHERE WE SIT DOWN WITH A MEMBER OF OUR TEAM FOR A 5 MINUTE CHAT ABOUT THEIR CURRENT FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS.
Ian is our Chief Financial Officer and one of our founders. Despite studying sport & leisure at Uni he somehow became an accountant, and still isn’t sure how. But having joined a pub group 25 years ago he fell in love with the hospitality industry, working in it ever since.
WHERE ARE YOU EATING AT THE MOMENT?
The funny thing is that my sons and I found Bluegrass on our way through town heading towards Maccies…
Inside, it is very American, chilled and rustic. Imagine the deep south USA. This is not just seen in the decor and incredibly casual service style but also in the drinks and products. Picture your massive ice cream sundaes loaded with toppings like donuts, brownies, banana and Hershey’s sauces…all washed down with canned and bottled drinks that you’ve never seen before.
We always order the same thing…the MEGA “Pit Boss Platter”. Now this is a HUGE platter of slow smoked baby back ribs, brisket square, hot link sausage, bbq chicken, pulled pork, pit beans, creamed corn, fries, string onions and slaw. This is typically a sharer for 2 people to share but we always get one each as a challenge. This is not all though as we also get a side of mac n cheese and a salad (for a tiny bit of health).
It all comes on one of those massive metal trays just to add to the americano vibes and served with homemade sauces in squeezy bottles with, now, slightly worse for wear stickers on them to mark the difference. Expect Tennessee (sticky, sweet and smokey), Carolina (mustard and vinegar), Louisiana (scotch bonnet hot sauce) and Maple Mayo (maple syrup and mayo)...
Before you ask, yes we always finish it too.
OUR FAVOURITE BBQ JOINTS IN LONDON
FROM THE ASHES
These 3 friends may well be best known for their sweet and savoury doughnuts - handmade sugar-coated clouds are stuffed with smoked pork and n’duja for some of the most smokey, tasty and all round amazing bites. The smoked pork and beef buns are potentially the best and with sides of crispy beef fat potatoes and burnt end beans, you won't be hungry...
DISH TO TRY: The Pork Bun
SMOKESTAK
Pulled pork, crispy ox cheek with a salty anchovy mayo, and citrusy, spicy lamb merguez are just a few of the unglamorous yet divine dishes on offer. The brisket bun, which you’ll likely recognise from your Instagram feed, is a deserved London icon and worth the hype. Don't be fooled by the seemingly over smoked and charcoal black looking meat - they know what they are doing.
DISH TO TRY: Brisket Bun
TEMPER
Be prepared for everything to be BIG. Big chunks of meat, big powerful flavours and big, hefty wines that are able to cut through the flavourful and smokey plates of meat. Not only do they do incredible smoked and soft meats, their vegetarian meals are to die for. A must do is the Sunday Roast with HUGE Yorkshire puddings that need their own plate...
DISH TO TRY: Sunday Roast
CUE POINT
British-Afghan barbecue specialist Cue Point has quickly become one of the best halal barbecue options in London. Get ready for products such as a whole rack of oak smoked lamb ribs served with Afghan chutney, soured yoghurt & pickles; a smooth and juicy brisket, smoked aubergine or chicken ‘naco’ (naan taco), a smashed beef burger; and a deep-fried root veg burger.
DISH TO TRY: Beef Short Rib on Naan
