Kent is famous for its orchards, hop fields, and historic castles, but lately, something else has been perfuming the air — oak smoke, caramelised bark, and the unmistakable aroma of low-and-slow brisket.
From seaside smokers in Whitstable to back-garden BBQ pros in the Weald, Kent’s food scene is evolving — and brisket is right at the heart of it. Whether you’re in the mood for messy buns, burnt ends, or a tray loaded with meat and slaw, Kent has you covered.
🐂 1. Texas Joes BBQ Shack – Ashford
A slice of the Lone Star State right in the heart of Kent, Texas Joe’s BBQ Shack delivers authentic, oak-smoked brisket that would make any Texan proud. Served in trays, tacos, or thick sandwiches, this brisket is bold, peppery, and unbelievably tender.
📍 Ashford Indoor Market, weekends only
🔥 Pro tip: Ask for the “end bits” — brisket burnt ends with extra bark. Smoky gold.
🍖 2. The BBQ Project – Canterbury (Street Food & Events)
With regular appearances at Canterbury’s street food events, beer festivals, and markets, The BBQ Project serves up slow-smoked brisket with serious soul. Expect it piled into brioche buns, laid over fries, or folded into tacos with slaw and punchy sauces.
📍 Rotating locations in Canterbury, Herne Bay & Faversham
🔥 Pro tip: Their brisket-loaded fries with jalapeños and cheese sauce = next-level indulgence.
🍔 3. Smokin’ Grill – Maidstone
Smokin’ Grill is all about big flavours, backyard vibes, and American BBQ traditions done right. Their brisket is rubbed, rested, and smoked for 12+ hours, then served with classic sides like slaw, beans, and mac & cheese.
Whether you’re dining in or grabbing a BBQ box to go, this is comfort food with swagger.
📍 Maidstone town centre
🔥 Pro tip: The brisket mac bowl is comfort food perfection — rich, cheesy, smoky bliss.
🍺 4. Boutilliers Brewery x BBQ Collabs – Faversham
This independent brewery regularly hosts food pop-ups and BBQ nights at their taproom, often featuring guest chefs or street food vendors with a passion for brisket. Expect creative brisket pairings, such as brisket bao, brisket sliders, and beer-glazed burnt ends.
📍 Faversham
🔥 Pro tip: Pair your brisket with one of their hop-forward pale ales or a rich porter — it’s a match made in flavour heaven.
🛻 5. The Rib Rack – Mobile BBQ, Thanet Coast
Often found at beachfront events in Whitstable, Margate and Ramsgate, The Rib Rack serves up smoked meats from a custom trailer, including a killer brisket that’s juicy, tender, and full of smoky character. Perfect post-swim or pre-sunset meal.
📍 Various coastal pop-ups — check socials for updates
🔥 Pro tip: Their brisket taco trio with fresh lime and pickled onion is beach BBQ done right.
🧡 Honourable Mention: Brisket Behind the Barn Doors
Kent is full of small-scale pitmasters, weekend-only brisket boxes, and farm shop BBQs that fly under the radar. Look out for:
- Farmers markets in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, and Tenterden
- BBQ pop-ups at taprooms like Pig & Porter and Time & Tide
- Village pubs hosting smokehouse nights in the North Downs and Romney Marsh
You might just stumble across a secret smoker doing slow-cooked brisket with more love than any chain could match.
🥩 Why Kent Brisket Hits the Spot
Kent’s brisket scene is built on local produce, passion, and a DIY spirit. Many pitmasters use Kentish oak and applewood, pair brisket with local craft beers and ciders, and source beef from nearby farms, giving it a distinctly regional twist on American BBQ tradition.
It’s brisket with roots — and it’s glorious.
✨ Final Thoughts: Brisket Blooms in the Garden of England
Kent’s food scene has come a long way from cream teas and ale pies (though we still love those too). With smoke rising from coast to countryside, and pitmasters taking brisket seriously, this county is fast becoming a must-stop for BBQ lovers and flavour chasers.
So follow the smoke, bring your appetite, and find out why Kent brisket is worth every bite.
Know a secret brisket spot in Kent? A pub pitmaster hidden in the hop fields? Tell us — we’ll bring the appetite and the napkins.