10 best International BBQ spots in London
- holidayeasetravel
- May 12
- 4 min read
Updated: May 13
Let's start from the foundation...What is a BBQ? A method of cooking food slowly over indirect heat and smoke, typically from wood or charcoal, often used for meats. It can also refer to the equipment used, the flavor/style, or a social gathering where this food is served.
BBQ as a Social Event
While BBQ is less of a backyard tradition in London due to limited outdoor space, it thrives in:
Parks and public spaces: On warm weekends, people flock to places like Hyde Park, London Fields, and Hampstead Heath with disposable or portable BBQs.
Street food markets: Places like Borough Market, Maltby Street, and Boxpark Shoreditch host BBQ vendors with unique flavours and meats.
Pop-ups and supper clubs: Seasonal and ticketed events often highlight BBQ themes, combining it with craft beer and music.
In short, BBQ in London is a cosmopolitan, smoke-infused celebration of food that merges tradition with innovation. BBQ culture in London has grown significantly in the last decade, blending international influences with a local twist. If you're craving some top-notch BBQ in London, you're in luck—the city boasts a vibrant barbecue scene, offering everything from classic American smokehouses to innovative global twists. .
Below my 10 suggestions spots you may want to check out:
Maureen’s Brixton Kitchen, Jerk Jamaican.
This street food feeling landmark in the centre of Brixton has been named in many guides and known by the londoners as one of the best jerk food in the capital.
52 Railton Road, SE24 0LF
https://www.instagram.com/maureensbrixtonkitchen/
Berber & Q. North African and Eastern European
Is a popular restaurant brand in London, known for its vibrant, Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired BBQ cuisine. Opened in 2015 in Haggerston, the concept mixes the bold, smoky flavours of Middle Eastern street food with the cooking techniques of an American BBQ joint
338 Acton Mews, E8 4EA
Kolae. Thai
A Southern Thai grill and bar located in Borough Market, Kolae showcases the bold, fire-driven cuisine of Thailand’s southern provinces. The restaurant takes its name from the traditional Thai grilling method where ingredients are coated in a coconut-based curry marinade and cooked over open flames.
6 Park Street SE1 9AB
Yanji, Korean
This is a popular Korean barbecue restaurant located in Bethnal Green. Known for its authentic Korean flavours and interactive dining experience, Yanji offers a range of dishes that cater to both meat lovers and vegetarians.
153 bethnal Green, E2 7DG
Korean-style barbecue cooking is an interactive experience. Texas Joes Slow Smoked meats, American
If you're craving authentic Texas-style barbecue in London, this is a standout destination. Located just a short walk from London Bridge station, in the hearth of Bermondsey, this restaurant brings the flavours of the Lone Star State to the UK capital
8-9 Snowfields SE1 3SU
Chimichurris. Argentinian
If you're seeking authentic Argentinian barbecue in London, this is your top destination. Located between Waterloo Station and Borough Station in the south of the river Thames, this traditional Argentine restaurant offers a genuine parrilla (grill) experience, complete with smoky meats, rich flavours, and a welcoming ambiance.
132 Southwark Bridge Road, SE1 0DG
Sagardi, Basque
Basque grill cooking, often called asador or parrilla cooking in the Basque Country, is a centuries-old barbecue style focused on simplicity, premium ingredients, and mastery over open flames, this restaurant located in Shoreditch, brings the rich culinary traditions of the Basque region to the heart of London.
Cordy House, 95 Curtain Road, EC2A 3BS
Good flames are the essence of the BBQ. Cue Point at Ely's Yard, British-Afghan fusion
Located a few minutes away from Liverpool Street, this East London restaurant merges traditional Afghan flavors with British low-and-slow barbecue techniques, offering a menu that's both innovative and inclusive
ELY'S Yard, JuJus Bar, 15 hanbury St, E1 6QR
Lagom, Scandinavian
Located in Hackney, the name "Lagom" reflects the Swedish philosophy of "just the right amount," highlighting balance and moderation in both flavour and presentation, focuses in open-fire cooking, offering a menu that changes regularly based on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
17 Bohemis Pl, E8 1DU
https://hackneychurchbrew.co/pages/food
Agora, Greek
Is a vibrant Greek-inspired restaurant nestled within Borough Market. Conceived by David Carter, the restaurateur behind Smokestak and Manteca, Agora draws inspiration from the bustling street markets of Athens, offering a lively dining experience centred around traditional Greek cooking techniques.
4 Bedale St, SE1 9AL
Bonus Track: Smokestak, American/British
Located in one of the most popular neighborhoods in North London, in the streets of Shoreditch this industrial style, wood fire American barbeque with british twist, has become a city institution with costumers and admire by many chefs.
35 Sclater St, E1 6LB
Are you hungry for more?
Upcoming BBQ Festivals in London and surroundings (2025):
FUME Festival – Woolwich WorksExperience Europe's largest BBQ competition featuring top pitmasters, live music, workshops, and more.
Upcoming dates: May 30–June 1 and September 26–28.
https://fumefestival.com/pages/about
Smoke & Fire Festival – Ascot RacecourseThe UK's premier BBQ and food festival featuring competitions, live music, and family-friendly activities. Dates: July 5–6.
https://www.smokeandfirefestival.com
Wing Fest – Multiple Locations. Celebrate all things chicken wings with various vendors, competitions, and entertainment.
London dates: July 25–27
https://www.wingfest.co.uk/london/
Meatopia – Tobacco DockA legendary live-fire food festival showcasing over 60 chefs cooking exclusive dishes over wood and charcoal.
Scheduled for August 28–31.
https://www.meatopia.co.uk/home-london
The Big Grill – HackneyAfter a successful debut in 2024, this festival is set to return with more live-fire cooking events.
Dates for 2025 to be announced soon.
All of this—and so, so much more—is what London has to offer. Follow me regularly and I’ll show you the best parts of this incredible city: the hidden gems, the top places to eat, and the spots only locals know.
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