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When most people think of Hampshire, they picture ancient forests, stately homes, and picturesque harbours. But tucked between the New Forest trails and the cobbled streets of Winchester lies something deliciously unexpected: a growing BBQ scene that knows its brisket.
From bustling street food markets to rustic smokehouses and pop-up trailers, Hampshire is quietly serving up some of the UK’s best slow-smoked brisket—deeply seasoned, lovingly cooked, and dripping with flavour.
🐂 1. Smokin’ Guns BBQ – Southampton
This is proper Southern BBQ with swagger. At Smokin’ Guns, the brisket is rubbed, smoked for 16 hours, and served up sliced, thick, and juicy. Their signature trays are loaded with house slaw, smoked beans, and their killer homemade sauces.
The atmosphere is no-fuss, the portions are generous, and the meat is the star. If you’re serious about brisket, this is a must-visit.
📍 Shirley Road, Southampton
🔥 Pro tip: Ask for the burnt ends if they’re available—they’re smoky, caramelised bites of heaven.
🍖 2. Hog Shack BBQ – Hook
Tucked away in Hook, Hog Shack is a small but mighty BBQ smokehouse serving up Texas-inspired brisket with all the Southern charm. Their brisket is rich, tender, and smoked long and slow over oak wood for that signature deep flavour.
This place feels like a secret—until you see the line of locals who already know what’s up.
📍 Hook, Hampshire – check online for exact location or delivery options
🔥 Pro tip: Try their brisket in a wrap with pickled onions and spicy mayo for something a little different.
🛻 3. The Flaming Bull – Winchester (Pop-Up & Mobile BBQ)
A crowd favourite at Hampshire’s food festivals, The Flaming Bull is a roving BBQ truck that delivers melt-in-your-mouth brisket to events across the county. Their menu rotates, but brisket is almost always the star—served in burgers, buns, or stacked on loaded fries.
📍 Check their social media for where they’re smoking next
🔥 Pro tip: If you see their brisket & mac burger on the menu, do not hesitate.
🍺 4. The Pig Hotels – Brockenhurst & South Downs (Smoky Weekends)
Not your average BBQ spot, but hear us out—The Pig properties in Hampshire often host summer garden events or “smoke & fire” weekends, where chefs put their spin on classic BBQ, including locally sourced brisket slow-cooked to perfection.
It’s brisket, but make it posh—served with seasonal veg, house pickles, and craft cocktails.
📍 Brockenhurst & Madehurst (South Downs)
🔥 Pro tip: Call ahead or check their event calendar—these BBQ days are special and worth the trip.
🧡 Honourable Mention: Hampshire’s Backyard Brisket Scene
Hampshire is also home to a growing number of home-grown pitmasters and smoke enthusiasts. Whether it’s someone running a smoker out of a converted horse box or a micro-batch BBQ box available on weekends, there are brisket gems hidden all over the county.
Keep an eye out at:
- Craft beer festivals (Winchester, Alton, Southsea)
- Farmers markets in Petersfield, Romsey, and Fareham
- Local brewery taprooms with rotating food trucks
🥩 What Makes Brisket So Good?
The magic of brisket is in its transformation—what starts as a tough, chewy cut becomes buttery, rich, and layered with smoky complexity after 12+ hours over wood and flame. The bark (that flavour-packed crust) is key, and when done right, it’s BBQ gold.
Hampshire’s brisket chefs understand this—they treat the brisket like royalty, and the results speak for themselves.
✨ Final Thoughts: Hampshire’s BBQ Game is Strong
Whether you’re seaside in Southsea, rambling through the New Forest, or wandering Winchester’s ancient lanes, great BBQ brisket isn’t far away. Hampshire’s pitmasters are combining technique, creativity, and a little bit of Southern soul to create something seriously special.
So next time you’re in the county, follow the smoke—you might just discover your new favourite brisket spot.
Know a brisket hero we missed? A smokehouse hidden down a country lane? Share it—your secrets are safe with us (mostly).