From Brighton’s iconic pier to the quiet charm of the South Downs, East Sussex is full of character—and increasingly, full of smoke. Not just the beach bonfire kind, but the kind that wafts from smokers slow-cooking brisket for hours, delivering deep flavour, perfect bark, and juicy, pull-apart slices of beef that are worth every bite.
Whether you’re exploring seaside towns, farmers markets, or country pubs, East Sussex has smoky brisket gems waiting to be discovered.
🐂 1. The BBQ Project – Brighton
A cult favourite on the Brighton street food circuit, The BBQ Project is all about proper, no-shortcuts BBQ. Their brisket is smoked for 12–16 hours, rubbed with a secret blend of spices, and served either stacked high in buns, on loaded fries, or as part of epic BBQ boxes.
Everything’s made fresh, the meat is tender and flavour-packed, and the vibe is pure Brighton—casual, bold, and a little cheeky.
📍 Brighton food markets & events – especially at Shelter Hall and Brighton Foodies Festival
🔥 Pro tip: Try the brisket bao buns when they’re on—it’s a perfect East-meets-West BBQ mashup.
🍖 2. Smok’d BBQ – Lewes
Nestled in the charming town of Lewes, Smok’d BBQ delivers Texas-style BBQ with a British twist. Their brisket is oak-smoked, carved thick, and served with traditional sides like mac & cheese, cornbread, and slaw—plus a rotating selection of sauces.
It’s cosy, casual, and incredibly satisfying—perfect after a countryside stroll or pint at the brewery next door.
📍 Lewes – check for weekend smokehouse events and pop-ups
🔥 Pro tip: Ask for the burnt ends if they’re available—they go quick.
🍔 3. The Pig & Jacket – Street Food Across East Sussex
Operating out of a converted vintage trailer, The Pig & Jacket brings gourmet BBQ to markets, weddings, and food festivals across the region. Their brisket is beautifully tender, served in brioche buns with tangy slaw and pickled chillies—or loaded into tacos with smoky mayo.
📍 Roving street food vendor – often spotted in Hastings, Rye, and Eastbourne
🔥 Pro tip: Brisket tacos + a local cider = a match made in Sussex heaven.
🍺 4. Beak Brewery x BBQ Collabs – Lewes & Beyond
Beak Brewery, based in Lewes, regularly collaborates with BBQ food trucks and pop-ups for weekend events that pair smoked brisket with craft beer and live music. If you’re lucky, you might catch a limited-run menu featuring brisket sandwiches, brisket-loaded nachos, or brisket tacos, all served in their rustic taproom garden.
📍 Beak Brewery, Lewes
🔥 Pro tip: Follow them on Instagram for event dates—they fill up fast, especially in summer.
🧡 Honourable Mention: East Sussex’s Backyard BBQ Scene
Beyond the main towns, East Sussex is home to a growing number of backyard BBQ pros and pop-up smokers doing small-batch brisket boxes on weekends or catering private events. Keep an eye on:
- Farmers markets in Battle, Uckfield, and Hailsham
- Food events in Rye and Hastings Old Town
- Village beer festivals and community BBQs
You never know when you’ll stumble across someone quietly serving the best brisket in the county—often from a humble converted trailer or garden smoker.
🥩 What Makes Sussex Brisket Stand Out?
East Sussex brisket is often made with local, high-welfare beef, smoked over British hardwoods like oak or apple, and paired with bold sauces and clever seasonal sides. It’s rustic but refined, with chefs blending classic American BBQ with British creativity.
The result? Brisket that’s rich, tender, and unmistakably Sussex.
✨ Final Thoughts: Where Smoke Meets the Sea
Whether you’re strolling along Brighton’s beachfront, exploring a medieval town, or sipping beer in a country pub garden, a slab of beautifully smoked brisket might be closer than you think.
East Sussex has embraced the smoke—and it’s doing brisket brilliantly. So grab a napkin, follow the scent, and sink your teeth into some of the best BBQ in the South East.
Got a secret brisket spot or a backyard smoker doing magical things in East Sussex? Let us know—we’re always ready to chase the smoke.