Blame for Britain’s bloodlust for American BBQ can be firmly placed at the feet of Bodean’s. The original Soho smokehouse opened in 2002, offering decadent, no-holds-barred meat platters, bourbon and beers. At the start of 2025 it was time for a revamp, and new chef director and master of meat Richard H. Turner (Pitt Cue Co, Hawksmoor, Meatopia) has revamped the menu for an even more authentic taste of the deep south. Here, brisket and pork shoulder are cooked until they fall apart, and there’s a bunch of brand new sides on offer as well; green chilli slaw, poutine with dripping fries, potato salad with bacon, eggs and pickles, and a five cheese mac and cheese. There are two other branches; in Tower Hill and Covent Garden.
Order this
The Bodean's BBQ Platter has it all; pork ribs, beef ribs, pulled pork, brisket, smoked sausage, vinegar slaw, and pickles, all piled high on a slab of Texas Toast. Portions here are hefty; almost American size. If you’re not feeling super ravenous, then an order of three smoked chicken wings is a very reasonable £8. Order them with Turner’s bespoke ‘bone sucking’ sauce.
Time Out tip
Swing by the bar upstairs and get stuck into the great menu of American beers, or order a Boilermaker; a half pint of PBR and shot of Four Roses bourdon. There’s a dedicated julep cocktail menu, too.