Burnt Smokehouse

Burnt Smokehouse is business in looks. Steps away from Leyton Midland Road station, it’s all white corrugated steel walls, a blackboard menu, and two parallel rows of uniform bench seating. Because who needs wall art when you serve the kind of BBQ platters that Instagram’s algorithm feeds you in your hungriest moments. Think charred pieces of tender spring lamb, smoky, soft discs of beef sausage, and sides that’ll put your Lactaid to the test—extra cheesy mac and cheese, creamy potato salad, chicken salt fries. But the burger is our favourite thing to order. It’s so juicy that by the final bite, the bottom bun is all but disintegrated. 

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

Just know that at this BBQ spot, you will have to queue. At peak times diners are squished on too-small shared tables with perfect strangers. It’s not ideal when you’re stretching your jaw to bite into a double patty and waving your arms to signal you need napkins as though you’re an army medic calling for bandages. But after a while of not making eye contact, you’ll find yourself loosening up and embracing the messy, chaotic fun. You should know that all of the meat here is halal and it’s priced per 100g (200g is best per person). So the bill can start to rack up when you get sides involved—which you really should.

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch