Waiter/Waitress - London

SMOKESTAK launched into the London street food scene in 2013 and has since carved its way through many a festival whilst paying homage to Street Feast. Delivering simple, no-nonsense ‘cue to the masses, SMOKESTAK has earned a cult following for their USDA brisket, pork and beef ribs. 

SMOKESTAK’s first permanent premises is local and loyal to Hackney and Shoreditch, just off Brick Lane. Spread over two floors, the ground floor seating of 75 surrounds the inner workings of the open plan kitchen. Seating for a further 40 is available on the terrace, while the basement bar can hold 20+ for pre-dinner drinks and snacks.

The menu is a grown-up version of what has essentially put SMOKESTAK on the map, a nod to the classics but with a bit of umpf and dynamic – a more-rounded approach than just “BBQ". Taking the wood-burning smoker very seriously, the idea is to play with wood, fire and smoke in equal measure to create something a bit different. The menu includes ’pastrami with sour cabbage and pickles', ‘crispy ox cheek with anchovy mayo’ and ‘coal roasted aubergine with red miso and toasted cashews’; while the classics remain: ‘USDA brisket bun with pickled red chilli’ and ‘thick-cut pork ribs with pickled cucumber’; and sides of ‘grilled baby gem with walnut gremolata and crispy bacon’, ‘corn cob in husk with miso butter and crispy shallots’ and ‘charred greens with tahini, pomegranate and dry-roasted nuts’. The desserts are not to be missed; 'sticky toffee pudding with clotted ice cream’ and ‘lemon curd with pistachio shortbread and rhubarb compote’.