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When you think of Cambridgeshire, your mind may first go to punting on the River Cam, historic colleges, or that iconic skyline of King’s College Chapel. But tucked away behind the dreaming spires and countryside charm is something smoky, meaty, and downright mouthwatering: a rising scene of seriously good BBQ brisket.
Whether you’re wandering through Cambridge’s indie food stalls or venturing into the village outskirts, this county is home to some top-tier pitmasters who know exactly how to treat a brisket—slow, low, and full of flavour.
🐂 1. SmokeWorks – Cambridge
Smack in the heart of Cambridge, SmokeWorks has become the go-to for American-style BBQ done right. Their Texas-style beef brisket is smoked for hours, seasoned with a peppery rub, and served up in sandwiches, trays, or slathered in their signature sauces.
With neon lights, industrial vibes, and meat so tender it barely needs chewing, SmokeWorks is a BBQ haven for brisket purists and sauce-lovers alike.
📍 2 Free School Lane, Cambridge
🔥 Pro tip: Don’t skip the “Burnt End Bites” or the brisket-loaded fries—they’re unreal.
🛻 2. The Tipsy Texans – Cambridge & Pop-Ups
One of the county’s most beloved BBQ street food traders, The Tipsy Texans are known for their authentic Southern-style brisket, often cooked for 16+ hours. They serve it up in buns, tacos, wraps—or just as it is, with smoky sides and pickles.
You’ll catch them at food festivals, breweries, or private catering gigs, and when you do, run, don’t walk. Their brisket is always a showstopper.
📍 Follow them on social media for events & markets
🔥 Pro tip: Ask about their “brisket breakfast burrito” if you’re there early.
🧡 3. Low & Slow BBQ – Huntingdon
Out in the market town of Huntingdon, Low & Slow BBQ is a hidden gem that’s all about traditional wood-smoked meats. Their brisket is juicy, smoky, and served in generous portions. They offer loaded brisket sandwiches and proper BBQ trays with beans, pickles, and corn on the cob.
Family-run and full of heart, this is the kind of place where you taste the passion in every bite.
📍 Check for local market pop-ups & events
🔥 Pro tip: Their BBQ boxes are perfect for takeaway—order ahead and feast at home.
🍖 4. The Three Horseshoes – Madingley (BBQ Nights)
This charming gastropub just outside Cambridge hosts BBQ-themed evenings during the summer, and when brisket is on the menu, it’s always the star. Think smoked brisket with caramelised onions, beer glaze, and herby slaw, served in a sunny garden setting with craft beer on tap.
It’s a little more refined than your classic smokehouse—but the flavour still packs a punch.
📍 High Street, Madingley
🔥 Pro tip: Book in advance for BBQ nights—they’re incredibly popular with locals.
🥩 Honourable Mention: Backyard BBQers & Brisket Clubs
Cambridgeshire’s food scene is full of surprises, and one of the best-kept secrets is its community of home-based pitmasters and BBQ hobbyists. Many offer limited weekend brisket drops, especially during the warmer months, through local Facebook groups or word-of-mouth.
Keep an eye on neighbourhood events, micro-breweries, and independent food halls—you never know when you’ll stumble across the best brisket you’ve ever tasted, straight from someone’s custom-built smoker.
💡 What Makes Great Brisket?
It’s all about time, temperature, and love. Real brisket is smoked low and slow—usually for 10–16 hours—until it’s fall-apart tender, with a bark that’s rich, smoky, and deeply seasoned. Whether sliced thick or pulled apart, it’s comfort food at its most soulful.
✨ Final Thoughts: Cambridgeshire’s Brisket Scene is Heating Up
You don’t need to fly to Texas or trek across London to find excellent brisket anymore. Cambridgeshire is carving out a name for itself on the UK BBQ map, and the brisket is the undeniable proof—tender, juicy, and unapologetically delicious.
So whether you’re a student, a local, or a traveller passing through, get your napkins ready—Cambridgeshire’s BBQ brisket is waiting to be devoured.
Got a brisket spot we’ve missed? Are you a backyard brisket wizard? Let us know—we’re always hungry for more.