Berkshire may be known for its royal connections, rolling countryside, and riverside towns—but make no mistake: brisket is on the rise, and the county is quietly becoming a hotbed for low-and-slow BBQ done right.
From Reading’s buzzing street food scene to rustic pubs tucked away in the Chiltern foothills, Berkshire is serving up beautifully smoked, bark-crusted brisket that deserves your full attention—and a big appetite.
🐂 1. Blue’s Smokehouse – Bracknell
An American-style BBQ joint with deep Southern roots, Blue’s is a Berkshire favourite. Their Texas-style brisket is smoked low and slow for 14+ hours, carved thick, and served up in platters or sandwiches with classic sides like hush puppies, slaw, and BBQ beans.
It’s bold, messy, and incredibly satisfying—the kind of brisket that demands two hands.
📍 Bracknell town centre
🔥 Pro tip: Try the “Smoked Meats Platter” to pair brisket with ribs and pulled pork—perfect for sharing (or not).
🍖 2. The Rib House Co. – Reading (Pop-Ups & Events)
Known across Reading and West Berkshire, The Rib House Co. brings slow-smoked, flavour-packed brisket to markets, festivals, and brewery nights. Their meat is locally sourced, rubbed with a secret spice mix, and smoked until tender perfection.
Their brisket wraps and dirty fries are legendary among locals—and they sell out fast.
📍 Reading & surrounding areas – check socials for next event
🔥 Pro tip: Ask about their “brisket beer collab nights” with local craft breweries—BBQ and beer heaven.
🍔 3. The Smoke Hub – Newbury
Part restaurant, part food truck, The Smoke Hub is all about bringing big BBQ flavour to West Berkshire. Their brisket is smoked over oak for a full day and served in brioche buns, tacos, or on loaded BBQ trays. Expect juicy meat, proper bark, and generous helpings.
They also cater private events and often run “BBQ & Beer” nights with live music and brisket specials.
📍 Newbury area – check online for schedule
🔥 Pro tip: Try the brisket taco trio with different house sauces—spicy, smoky, and sweet.
🍺 4. The Fox & Hounds – Theale (BBQ Garden Sessions)
This charming countryside pub hosts BBQ weekends in their garden, where brisket becomes the star of the show. Whether it’s sliced and glazed with bourbon sauce or shredded for sliders, their brisket is slow-cooked on-site and served with proper pub flair.
It’s laid-back, local, and packed with flavour.
📍 Station Road, Theale
🔥 Pro tip: Go on a sunny afternoon, grab a pint, and settle in for brisket and live music.
🧡 Honourable Mention: Berkshire’s Backyard Brisket Scene
As with many great BBQ counties, some of Berkshire’s best brisket comes from garden smokers and local food lovers who cook for markets, events, and weekend pre-orders.
You’ll often find them at:
- Craft beer taprooms in Wokingham, Caversham, and Ascot
- Farmers markets in Windsor, Thatcham, and Pangbourne
- Local street food collectives like Blue Collar Street Food in Reading
Keep your eyes (and nose) open—you might just stumble across a smoky hidden gem in your own backyard.
🥩 What Makes Berkshire Brisket So Good?
Berkshire brisket is all about flavour, care, and patience. Whether it’s smoked over applewood or rubbed with locally inspired spices, the result is the same: meltingly tender meat with deep, smoky soul. It’s comfort food at its best, and the chefs here know exactly what they’re doing.
✨ Final Thoughts: Berkshire is Bringing the Smoke
The Royal County may be famous for castles and racing, but don’t overlook its growing BBQ culture. With top-tier pitmasters, creative food trucks, and pubs embracing the power of smoke, Berkshire is quickly becoming a go-to destination for brisket lovers.
So grab your napkins, follow the scent of hickory, and treat yourself to some of the finest brisket in the South East.
Got a local brisket spot we missed? Know a home-smoking legend in your town? Let us know—we’re always on the hunt for the next great bite.