Cheshire may be known for its green pastures, charming market towns, and cheese, but don’t be fooled—there’s a slow-burning BBQ scene turning heads and tantalising taste buds across the county. And at the heart of it? That king of low-and-slow cooking: beef brisket.
From country pubs with smokers out back to street food legends in Chester and Crewe, Cheshire is serving up rich, smoky, fall-apart brisket that would make any Texan jealous. Let’s hit the trail and track down the best spots for this glorious cut of meat.
🐂 1. Smokin’ Barrels BBQ – Chester
If you’re serious about brisket, this place should be top of your list. Smokin’ Barrels BBQ has built a loyal fanbase for their 12-hour smoked brisket, rubbed in a blend of spices and smoked over hickory wood. The result? Perfect bark, juicy middle, and deep smoky flavour.
They serve it up in wraps, on burgers, or as part of epic BBQ platters.
📍 Chester Market – Northgate Street
🔥 Pro tip: Go for the “Texas Brisket Tray” with burnt ends, pit beans, slaw, and corn bread.
🍖 2. Big D’s BBQ – Street Food & Events Across Cheshire
A legend in the North West BBQ scene, Big D’s BBQ brings proper low-and-slow brisket to markets, festivals, and brewery taprooms all across Cheshire. Their beef brisket is tender, juicy, and packed with a peppery bark, served in big baps, dirty fries, and loaded nachos.
You’ll find them popping up in Knutsford, Macclesfield, and Warrington—just follow your nose.
📍 Mobile – follow them on social media for current locations
🔥 Pro tip: The “Brisket Dirty Dog” (a smoked hot dog topped with chopped brisket and spicy BBQ sauce) is a game-changer.
🛻 3. The Sticky Rib Co. – Crewe
This Crewe-based favourite brings bold BBQ flavour to Cheshire’s street food scene. While their name may shout ribs, their brisket is just as show-stopping. Smoked low and slow for up to 14 hours, their beef brisket is melt-in-your-mouth soft with a classic smoky crust.
It’s BBQ that hits all the right notes—comforting, rich, and just the right level of messy.
📍 Pop-ups and events across South Cheshire
🔥 Pro tip: Ask about their brisket poutine—BBQ meets Canadian indulgence.
🍺 4. The Cholmondeley Arms – Malpas (Smoked BBQ Weekends)
This gorgeous countryside pub tucked away in the Cheshire countryside hosts occasional BBQ weekends, and their brisket is worth the trip. Using locally sourced beef, their team slow-cooks the brisket over oak and serves it with seasonal sides and a serious gin selection.
It’s British BBQ meets country charm, and it’s as relaxing as it is delicious.
📍 Cholmondeley, near Malpas
🔥 Pro tip: Check ahead for dates—these events are limited and book up quickly.
🧡 Honourable Mention: Brisket in the Back Garden
Cheshire also boasts a thriving community of home pitmasters and small-batch BBQ caterers, many of whom sell weekend brisket boxes or appear at local events and farm shop markets. Keep an eye on:
- Cheshire Food Festivals
- Brewery pop-ups in places like Mobberley, Tarporley & Alderley Edge
- Artisan markets in Nantwich & Wilmslow
Ask around and you might just discover a local BBQ wizard running a smoker from a converted trailer or pub car park.
🥩 What Makes Cheshire Brisket So Good?
Cheshire has the advantage of top-quality local beef—often grass-fed and full of natural flavour. Combine that with passionate pitmasters, long smoking hours, and a good helping of creativity, and you’ve got brisket that’s bold, beefy, and bursting with character.
Whether you like it sliced, pulled, glazed, or burnt-ended, Cheshire’s got you covered.
✨ Final Thoughts: From Pastures to Pitmasters
Cheshire may be a land of rolling fields and afternoon teas, but it’s also home to a growing BBQ scene where brisket is king. With countryside pubs, smoky market stalls, and passionate pop-ups serving up the goods, it’s clear: this county knows its meat.
So next time you’re out exploring, skip the sandwich—go for the brisket.
Got a brisket spot we haven’t listed? Know a secret smoker tucked behind a village pub? Send it our way—we’re always up for a road trip and a full stomach.