Durham, with its medieval skyline, rich history, and northern charm, may not scream “Texas BBQ” at first glance—but look (and sniff) a little closer, and you’ll find a smouldering brisket scene that’s full of heart and flavour.
From food trucks in market squares to smoky kitchen pop-ups in cosy pubs, County Durham is quietly dishing out some of the UK’s most soulful, slow-cooked beef brisket. Juicy, bark-covered, and smoked low and slow—it’s the kind of food that sticks to your ribs and warms your soul.
Let’s dive into Durham’s best BBQ brisket finds.
🐂 1. Smokin’ Barrel BBQ – Durham City
This beloved local smokehouse is known for its proper low-and-slow brisket, cooked overnight and served thick, tender, and packed with flavour. With rustic wooden décor and a passion for Southern-style barbecue, Smokin’ Barrel dishes up everything from brisket burgers to brisket-stuffed loaded fries.
📍 Durham City Centre
🔥 Pro tip: Go for the brisket stack—slices of smoked brisket, cheese, pickles, and spicy sauce in a toasted bun. It’s messy, and it’s magic.
🍖 2. The Pitmaster BBQ Co. – Street Food & Events (Across County Durham)
One of Durham’s finest roaming BBQ crews, The Pitmaster BBQ Co. serves up brisket that’s smoked for 12–16 hours over hickory and cherry wood, then sliced to order. Expect juicy meat with rich, peppery bark, often served in buns, wraps, or plated up with Southern sides like cornbread, BBQ beans, and slaw.
📍 Check their social media for events in Bishop Auckland, Durham, and Darlington
🔥 Pro tip: Try their brisket “dirty fries” topped with cheese sauce and crispy onions—pure indulgence.
🍺 3. The Station House – Consett (Pub BBQ Collabs)
This community-driven pub often partners with local smokehouses and BBQ caterers for weekend events and beer festivals. When brisket is on, it’s often beer-glazed, slow-cooked in-house, and served with local ales in a relaxed, friendly setting.
📍 Consett, County Durham
🔥 Pro tip: Pair their brisket with a hoppy local IPA brewed just down the road—it’s a match made in smoky heaven.
🛻 4. The Smoking Shack – Darlington
A proper street food success story, The Smoking Shack has gained a loyal following for their brisket boxes and BBQ trays. They keep it authentic: slow-cooked brisket, seasoned well, smoked to perfection, then paired with loaded mash, slaw, and hot sauce if you fancy a kick.
📍 Darlington street food events & private catering
🔥 Pro tip: Ask for brisket burnt ends if they’re available—caramelised, smoky nuggets of gold.
🧡 Honourable Mention: Durham’s Backyard BBQ Scene
In true Northern fashion, some of the county’s best brisket lives behind the scenes—in back gardens, on converted trailers, or coming out of pop-up smokers at beer gardens, local butchers, and food fairs.
Check out:
- Durham food festivals (especially in Seaham, Barnard Castle & Bishop Auckland)
- Brewery taprooms in Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor
- Local Facebook groups promoting small-batch brisket drops
🥩 What Makes Durham Brisket So Good?
It’s about care, craft, and cold-weather comfort. Durham’s best brisket brings together slow-cooked technique and bold Northern flavours—sometimes with a twist of local ales, Yorkshire spice rubs, or smoky marinades that warm you to the core.
You’ll find pitmasters here who blend traditional American methods with a dash of Durham soul.
✨ Final Thoughts: Brisket with a Northern Accent
Durham may be ancient, but its food scene is fresh—and brisket is leading the way. Whether you’re exploring cathedral cobbles or countryside trails, there’s a smoky reward waiting just around the corner.
So grab a napkin, bring your appetite, and get ready to discover the best brisket in the North East—served with a side of heritage, humour, and heaps of flavour.
Got a hidden brisket gem in Durham we should know about? A pub with a smoker out back? Send it our way—we’ll follow the smoke.