St Bart’s Brewery has launched a meaty new “barbecue soul food” menu (not such a bad idea for a pub situated across the street from Smithfield Market). Part of the Hush Heath Estate group, the pub uses apple wood from its Kent estate to smoke and cook a range of fresh and sustainably sourced British meat, fish and vegetables.
I rolled up my sleeves for a tasting at a recent media preview and liked very much everything I tried.
I went halfsies on a Pit Master Tray for the best chance of sampling the most items. The tray includes baby back ribs, burnt ends, brisket and smoked sausage – and for 20 quid it’s a bodacious bargain for a massive amount of meat. It was all good but I especially enjoyed the ribs. This main was designed to share, but most main courses are priced at a very reasonable £10 and made for one hungry diner. As for sides, Scotch eggs (pork mince, duck egg and bread crumbs, £5) and mac ‘n cheese (£5 or £10 as a main course) were the tastiest I had.
I’ve passed by this pub a gazillion times, but this was my first visit. It’s an expansive yet comfy space conveniently located near a handful of Tube stations. Service was polite and swift during my visit.
This wasn’t my introduction to Hush Heath though. Last summer summer I had a thoroughly pleasant time touring its vineyards and winery and lunching at its Tickled Trout pub. So when presented with the offer to kick the evening off with a flute of Hush Heath’s phenomenal 2013 Balfour Brut Rosé and pair my BBQ with some Hush Heath Manor Pinto Noir, I was keen and suitable rewarded for my compliance.
Both English wine and BBQ have been making great strides in recent years. Taste what I’m talking about at St Bart’s.
St Bart’s Brewery is located at 66 West Smithfield, EC1A 9DY. Find out more at stbartsbrewery.com.
