Lancashire may be famous for its hotpots, butter pies, and friendly pubs—but it’s also firing up some serious smoke. Nestled between the Pennines and the Irish Sea, this proud Northern county is slowly but surely becoming a haven for BBQ brisket lovers, thanks to a growing band of passionate pitmasters, street food legends, and smoky-souled pubs.
So if you’re craving slow-cooked, bark-crusted, juicy brisket, Lancashire’s got the goods—and we’re taking you straight to the heart of it.
🐂 1. Low & Slow BBQ – Preston
This no-frills BBQ joint is all about bold flavours, tender meat, and American-style hospitality. Their brisket is rubbed with a secret blend of spices, smoked for 12–16 hours, and served thick and juicy in sandwiches, wraps, or straight-up BBQ trays.
It’s a true hidden gem in the North West, and locals swear by their brisket-loaded fries.
📍 Preston – check their socials for times and locations
🔥 Pro tip: Ask for the “pit plate” to sample brisket with pulled pork and sausage—you won’t regret it.
🍖 2. Holy Smokes BBQ – Lancaster
One of Lancaster’s most talked-about street food traders, Holy Smokes pops up at local markets, brewery nights, and food festivals. Their brisket is the real deal—slow-cooked, beautifully seasoned, and often served in epic buns with smoky mayo, chilli jam, and pickled red onions.
It’s messy, it’s rich, and it’s very addictive.
📍 Various events in Lancaster & the North West
🔥 Pro tip: Try the brisket-loaded Yorkshire pudding wrap if it’s on the menu. Pure Northern genius.
🛻 3. Smokin’ Barrel BBQ – Blackburn
Smokin’ Barrel takes their brisket seriously—and it shows. Their method? Traditional offset smokers, oak wood, and overnight cooking. The result? Brisket with a perfect bark and deep smoky flavour, served in trays, tacos, or even breakfast-style with eggs and toast.
Whether you’re picking up or staying for a brew, this place is a true brisket destination.
📍 Blackburn area – follow their updates for pop-ups & collection orders
🔥 Pro tip: Pre-order if you can—they often sell out early on weekends.
🍺 4. Farm Yard Ales & BBQ Collabs – Cockerham
Out in the beautiful Lancashire countryside, Farm Yard Ales isn’t just brewing great beer—they’re hosting pop-up BBQ collabs with some of the region’s best pitmasters. When brisket’s on, it’s smoked slow and served up with craft beer pairings and countryside views.
It’s the perfect excuse for a foodie road trip.
📍 Cockerham, near Lancaster
🔥 Pro tip: Check their events page for “Smokehouse Saturdays” or guest BBQ pop-ups.
🧡 Honourable Mention: Brisket in the Backyard
Lancashire has its share of homegrown BBQ talent, too—smoke-loving locals who run weekend brisket boxes from home smokers, appear at beer festivals, or feed their neighbourhoods with low-and-slow magic.
Check:
- Local BBQ Facebook groups
- Farmers markets in Clitheroe, Chorley, and Burnley
- Brewery taprooms hosting guest food trucks
You never know—your next great brisket experience might be down a cobbled lane with smoke rising from someone’s garden pit.
🥩 What Makes Great Brisket?
Real BBQ brisket is an art form: a combination of patience, smoke, and perfect seasoning. It needs hours of cooking, just the right rub, and a low heat that breaks down the fat while keeping the meat juicy.
In Lancashire, the brisket masters are doing it with passion, Northern grit, and a healthy dose of creativity—from traditional Texas-style bark to locally inspired twists.
✨ Final Thoughts: Brisket is Booming in the Red Rose County
Lancashire might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of brisket, but trust us—it should be. With smokehouses on the rise and a strong community of food lovers and BBQ creators, this county is bringing the heat (and the meat) in the best way possible.
So roll up your sleeves, grab a pint, and tuck into brisket that’s bold, juicy, and smoked to perfection. The North has spoken—and it’s hungry.
Know a secret brisket spot in Lancs? A pop-up we should chase down? Let us know—our appetite’s wide open.