In a city teeming with pubs that range from historic to trendy, Smok’d stands out with its unique blend of smoked meats, a vast whisky selection, and vibrant live entertainment. Run by Irish publican Leigh White, Smok’d is a collection of three London pubs that have each carved out their own distinct identity while maintaining a shared commitment to quality and community. The Grey Horse Smok’d in Kingston, The Britannia Smok’d near London Bridge, and the recently acquired The Candlemaker Smok’d in Battersea, each offer a welcoming atmosphere that draws in locals and visitors alike.
The Food
At the heart of Smok’d pubs is their specialisation in smoked meats. Each pub employs various global techniques such as smoking, roasting, charring, and grilling to create flavourful and unique dishes. All meats are meticulously prepared in-house, smoked for up to twelve hours after being brined and coated in a proprietary rub. Initially, the smoking was done by Leigh’s father, who mastered the craft during his semi-retirement. Now, passionate Pitmasters in each venue continue this tradition.
Signature dishes at Smok’d include the Jacob’s Ladder Beef Rib, Smok’d Chicken Wings, and Boerewors Sausages, inspired by American pitmasters. Burgers are a staple, with a mainstay of seven varieties, including beef, shrimp, chicken, and vegan options. The monthly special, known as the Burger of the Month (BOTM), has become a fan favourite, offering creative twists such as an Irish stew-topped burger or a currywurst-topped German-style burger. Sunday lunches at Smok’d, known as Sm’oast, are also a consistent hit among patrons.
Whisky Selection
Whisky is a central feature at all Smok’d pubs, with each venue offering a carefully curated selection. Leigh, alongside Joy Bowers, a key figure in the operational management team, has assembled impressive whisky lists, ranging from 100 to 200 varieties. The Grey Horse boasts one of London’s largest whisky collections, featuring bottles from every working Scottish distillery, as well as a selection of Irish, American, Japanese, and other world whiskies.
The Britannia Smok’d focuses on whiskies from the British Isles, celebrating the diverse range found across Ireland, England, Wales, and Scotland. The Candlemaker Smok’d offers a unique selection of rare and outstanding bottles from around the globe, with a significant emphasis on American and Scotch whiskies.
Cocktails
Cocktails are crafted with the same care and expertise as the food and whisky selections. Smok’d mixologists pride themselves on a premium cocktail offering that balances classic favourites with innovative creations. Highlights include the Fireside Old Fashioned, created by Joy Bowers, and the summer favourite ‘Passionate Kiss,’ crafted by Leigh’s son Cameron. The ever-evolving cocktail menu continues to attract discerning enthusiasts from far and wide.
Live Entertainment
Live entertainment is a cornerstone of the Smok’d experience. Leigh, a stand-up comedian, is a strong supporter of emerging talent in drama and music. The Grey Horse is home to Ram Jam Records, located on the historic grounds of the Ram Jam Club, which once hosted legends like Jimi Hendrix. This venue continues its legacy by offering a wide array of live entertainment, including weekly Open Mic Nights, Drag performances, and Hip Hop music, providing a safe space for the queer community. The iconic Saturday night Speakeasy Party features top Blues, Jazz, Funk, and Soul acts.
Both The Britannia Smok’d and The Candlemaker Smok’d follow suit with regular live music, poker, and quiz nights, creating vibrant spaces for community engagement and entertainment.
Final Thoughts
With Smok’d, Leigh White has created pubs with genuine character and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re coming for the expertly smoked meats, the extensive whisky selection, the crafted cocktails, or the lively entertainment, Smok’d pubs offer a unique and memorable experience that stands out in an increasingly uniform world.
