This week, we’re talking all things Sizzlefest — the annual BBQ festival hosted by SoCal BBQ Store in Southampton. What started as a small get-together has become a must-attend event for anyone in the UK BBQ community, bringing together pitmasters, home cooks, and BBQ brands for one massive celebration of live fire cooking.
Recorded at Alfresco Chapel — one of our amazing sponsors — we’re joined by Adam and Steve as we look back on our trip to Sizzlefest 2024. From the food to the atmosphere, the demos to the people, this one had it all.
🔥 In this episode, we chat about:
The vibe and energy that makes Sizzlefest such a standout in the UK BBQ calendar
Meeting up with the faces behind your favourite BBQ Instagram accounts
The food, the fire, and the unforgettable moments from the weekend
Why events like this matter so much to the UK BBQ scene
Our thoughts on doing it all again next year!
Plus, as always, we bring you:
🍖 What We’ve Been Cooking
📰 Community News & Shoutouts
🔥 Big thanks to everyone who keeps the UK BBQ scene alive and growing!
🔗 Connect with Us
📸 Instagram: @fromtheshackpod
🎥 YouTube: @fromtheshackpod
🎵 TikTok: @fromtheshackpod
✉️ Email: fromtheshackpod@gmail.com
Got an event, cook, or story to share? Drop us a message or tag us in your posts — we love hearing from the community!
❤️ Support the Pod
If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave us a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. It really helps us grow the From The Shack BBQ family.
🔥 Keywords / Tags:
Sizzlefest, SoCal BBQ Store, UK BBQ Scene, BBQ Podcast, Live Fire Cooking, BBQ Festival, BBQ Community, Outdoor Cooking, From The Shack Podcast, Alfresco Chapel, BBQ Events UK, BBQ Lifestyle, BBQ Pitmasters, BBQ in the UK, UK BBQ 2025
After months of planning (and a little help from Storm Amy delaying things!), the Big BBQ Community Cookout finally happened — and what a day it was! In this episode, Steve and Dec sit down to unpack it all — from how the event came together, to what went down on the day, and why it might just be one of the best BBQ community gatherings the UK has ever seen.
We chat about:
🔥 The inspiration behind the community cookout
🔥 How we handled the postponement and brought it all together
🔥 The atmosphere, the demos, and the incredible people involved
🔥 Our favourite moments (and maybe a few lessons learned!)
🔥 Whether we’ll be doing it all again next year 👀
Plus, as always, we’ve got:
🍖 Community news and shoutouts
🔥 What we’ve been cooking lately
🤝 A massive thank you to everyone who supported and attended
This one’s all about celebrating the UK BBQ community — the people, the passion, and the power of cooking over fire.
📸 Instagram: @fromtheshackpod
🎥 YouTube: @fromtheshackpod
🎵 TikTok: @fromtheshackpod
✉️ Email: fromtheshackpod@gmail.com
If you love what we’re doing, make sure to follow, subscribe, and leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts — it helps us reach more BBQ lovers across the UK!
🔗 Connect with Us❤️ Support the Pod
Sometimes BBQ plans get interrupted—and this week was one of those times. In this ad hoc episode, Steve and Dec sit down to talk about the difficult decision to postpone the Big BBQ Community Cookout after Storm Amy hit the UK with full force.
We break down the reasons behind the postponement, from health and safety concerns to looking after everyone in our community. The good news? The event is now confirmed for Saturday 11th October—and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever.
As always, we bring you the usual favourites:
🔥 What We’ve Been Cooking – our latest cooks on the grill and smoker
📰 Community News & Shoutouts – celebrating the BBQ family and what’s happening around the scene
It’s not the episode we planned—but it’s the one the weather gave us!
👉 Got a cook, event, or shoutout you’d like us to feature?
Hit us up on Instagram @fromtheshackpodcast and let us know.
This week Steve and Dec head to London’s iconic Tobacco Dock for Meatopia 2025. Tune in to hear our full recap of the event—what we thought, the standout dishes we devoured, and the overall vibe of this legendary live-fire festival.
We’re also sharing updates on the Big BBQ Community Cookout, plus all the usual segments you love:
🔥 What We’ve Been Cooking – our latest BBQ experiments and successes
📰 Community News & Shoutouts – the latest happenings and listener highlights
Whether you’re a backyard pitmaster or a live-fire fanatic, this episode will have you hungry for smoke and flames.
👉 Have an event or shoutout for the show?
Drop us a message on Instagram @fromtheshackpodcast and let us know—no matter how big or small.
Listen now and join the conversation!
This week on From The Shack, we’re taking you deep into the world of Asado cooking as we join the incredible team from Banquet1415 for their hands-on live fire cooking class. If you’ve ever wanted to master the art of Argentinian-style BBQ and elevate your fire cooking skills, this episode is packed with tips, techniques, and inspiration.
Dec shares his full experience at the class — from breaking down whole cuts and fire management to learning the unique approach that Banquet1415 brings to cooking over flames. We also chat about UK BBQ community news, share our latest cooks, and discuss why cooking Asado-style is perfect for anyone looking to push their BBQ game further.
If you love open fire cooking and want to discover new techniques, this episode is one you can’t miss.
🔥 A full breakdown of Dec’s experience at Banquet1415’s Asado cooking class
🔥 Tips and tricks for mastering Argentinian-style open fire BBQ
🔥 How Banquet1415 is shaping the UK live fire cooking scene
🔥 UK BBQ community news & updates
🔥 Our favourite recent cooks and recipe inspiration
🔥 Why live fire BBQ is more than just food — it’s about connection, creativity, and culture
Banquet1415 is leading the way in live fire cooking here in the UK. Their Asado cooking classes combine tradition, technique, and creativity — giving BBQ lovers a chance to get hands-on with wood-fired, smoke-infused cooking like never before.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode and your own BBQ stories! Get in touch:
📸 Instagram: @fromtheshackpod
🎥 TikTok: @fromtheshackpod
▶️ YouTube: @fromtheshackpod
Got an event we should know about, want a shoutout, or fancy joining us on the pod? Send us a message — we’d love to hear from you!
Thanks for tuning in to another episode of From The Shack! Next week, we’ve got even more fire-fuelled chats, BBQ tips, and community updates coming your way. Until then… keep cooking low, slow, and over fire! 🔥
#BBQPodcast, #FromTheShack, #Banquet1415, #AsadoCooking, #LiveFireCooking, #UKBBQ, #OpenFireCooking, #BBQClass, #BBQCommunity, #BBQEventsUK, #FireCooking, #KamadoCooking, #OutdoorCooking, #BBQLovers, #LowAndSlow
This week, we’re talking all about Marcus Bawdon’s Live Fire Cooking Class at Alfresco Chapel. Dec shares his first-hand experience of the day—from the techniques he learned to the dishes that stole the show.
We’re also joined by the man himself, Marcus Bawdon—one of the original stars of the UK BBQ scene, author, teacher, and all-round live fire legend. We chat about his journey in BBQ, his passion for teaching, and why live fire cooking continues to inspire so many.
As always, we bring you the latest from the UK BBQ community, plus some of our favourite recent cooks to inspire your next fire-up. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just getting started, this episode is packed with flavour, fire, and BBQ wisdom.
What to Expect:
🔥 Dec’s take on attending Marcus Bawdon’s Live Fire Class at Alfresco Chapel.
🔥 A chat with Marcus Bawdon himself—insights, inspiration, and BBQ stories.
🔥 Techniques, tips, and flavour ideas from one of the UK’s most respected BBQ voices.
🔥 Community news, shoutouts, and our recent cooks that you’ll want to try yourself.
Tags & Featured Accounts:
@countrywoodsmoke – Live fire cooking educator & BBQ author.
@alfresco_chapel_bbq – The North West’s BBQ store & event hub.
@pitbarreluk – Makers of the legendary Pit Barrel Cooker.
@monolithgrillsukir – High-performance kamado grills.
@thermapen – BBQ temperature perfection.
@globaltic_uk – Premium charcoal for serious cooking.
Have you taken a BBQ or live fire class? Got a favourite recent cook you want to share? Let us know—and don’t forget, if you want a shoutout on the pod, send us your BBQ stories, tips, or events.
Connect with Us:
Instagram: @fromtheshackpod
TikTok: @fromtheshackpod
YouTube: @fromtheshackpod
Thanks for tuning in to From The Shack! Huge thanks to Marcus Bawdon for joining us and to Alfresco Chapel for hosting an unforgettable class. We’ll be back with more fire, flavour, and community BBQ chat next week—until then, happy grilling!
We’re back with part two of one of our biggest topics yet—the rise of backyard BBQ culture in the UK. In this follow-up to Episode 2, we go even deeper into how the UK BBQ scene is growing, evolving, and catching fire.
This time, we look at it through the lens of the brands driving the industry forward. We’ve gathered insights and quotes from some of the biggest names in UK BBQ—from grill manufacturers to fuel suppliers—to understand how the surge in interest is impacting product trends, innovation, and customer habits.
As always, we also bring you the latest from the BBQ community, plus a rundown of some of our favourite cooks from the past few weeks. It’s fire, flavour, and plenty of food talk from your mates in the shack.
What to Expect:
🔥 Industry insights from top UK BBQ brands:
What’s selling, what’s changing, and what’s coming next.
The rise in premium gear, fuel innovation, and year-round BBQing.
🔥 Quotes from the brands: Hear what major players are saying about the UK BBQ boom.
🔥 Recent cooks: Our personal favourites and what inspired them.
🔥 Community news & shoutouts: As always, we highlight what’s happening in the BBQ scene.
Brands Featured in This Episode:
🔥 @biggreenegguk – The green iconic ceramic grill pioneers.
🔥 @kadaiuk – Open Fire leaders in fire pits.
🔥 @grillinggearuk – BBQ gear for backyard pitmasters.
🔥 @monolithgrillukir – High-end kamado grills built for precision.
🔥 @thermapen – The gold standard in BBQ temperature control.
🔥 @globaltic_uk – Premium lumpwood charcoal fuelling UK fires.
Got thoughts on the UK BBQ scene or want to share your favourite recent cook? Want a shoutout on the pod or know an event we should cover? Drop us a message—we’re building this community together.
Connect with Us:
Instagram: @fromtheshackpod
TikTok: @fromtheshackpod
YouTube: @fromtheshackpod
Thanks for tuning in to Episode 3 of From The Shack! Whether you’re new to the BBQ world or a seasoned pitmaster, we’re here to bring you the stories, tools, and inspiration to fire things up. See you next time—and until then, happy grilling!
In this episode, we fire up the mics and chat about our latest cooks, kit obsessions, and what's been going down on the grills this week.
Then we dive into our main topic:
The Rise of Backyard BBQ in the UK.
From humble burgers and bangers to reverse-seared ribeyes and full-blown outdoor kitchens — the British BBQ scene has come a long way. We unpack why it's booming, how social media and brands are fuelling the fire, and what makes UK BBQ culture unique.
We also bring you the latest BBQ community news, share an exciting update on The Big BBQ Community Cookout (October’s free fire-cooked celebration), and shout out a few brilliant brands making waves in the scene.
Links & Mentions:
The Big BBQ Community Cookout info → cheshirebbqschool.org
Follow us on Instagram → @fromtheshackpodcast
Tag us in your cooks and setups — we love to share them!
Sponsors:
Huge thanks to our amazing sponsors for supporting the show:
🔥 @alfrescochapel — BBQ showroom in Chorley
🔥 @pitbarreluk — The original vertical drum smoker
🔥 @thermapen — The only thermometer we trust on the grill
#FromTheShackPodcast #UKBBQ #BBQCommunity #LiveFireCooking #BackyardBBQ #BBQLife #LowAndSlow #BBQUK #OutdoorCooking #BBQShow #TheBigBBQCommunityCookout
We’re kicking off Season 2 of From the Shack with exciting news — we’ve got new sponsors, big plans, and a massive community event on the horizon!
👉 In this episode:
We welcome Alfresco Chapel BBQ Centre — the ultimate BBQ showroom in the northwest
We’re now powered by Pit Barrel Cookers — simple, flavour-packed cooking in a barrel
Thermapen continues supporting the show with their industry-leading thermometers
And we give a full update on the Big BBQ Community Cookout — a free BBQ celebration with live fire cooking, competitions, brands, and prizes
💬 Whether you're a weekend warrior or a pro pitmaster, there's something in this one for you.
Alfresco Chapel: @alfresco_chapel_bbq/
Pit Barrel Cookers: @pitbarreluk
Thermapen: @thermapen
Big BBQ Community Cookout info: cheshirebbqschool.org
🔗 Links & Shoutouts
🎙 Season 1 finale is here — and it’s a special one!We went LIVE for the very first time, with tongs in hand and coals burning hot to celebrate the final day of UK BBQ Week 2025.🔥 This episode was streamed straight from the Shack, featuring:👇— World Cuisine on Fire: The UK BBQ Week theme was global flavours, so we cooked up a full Texas BBQ tray — but with a twist on every single item.— Season 1 Wrap-Up: We look back on an epic few months of community, conversations, cooks and chaos — all from two backyard BBQers just doing what we love.— Live Vibes: No edits, no filters, just pure BBQ passion — recorded live with our audience, questions, and plenty of meat.🙏 Massive thanks to everyone who tuned in, listened, shared, and supported Season 1. You’ve helped build something really special.We’re taking a few weeks off to reset, rest, and stoke the fire — but don’t worry:Season 2 is coming in HOT.🛠️ This episode was proudly sponsored by:🔥 Thermapen – https://thermapen.co.uk🎯 Use code SHACK-20 for 20% off sitewide!🥩 The Catering Butcher – top-quality meat for real BBQers🔥 Globaltic Charcoal – the fuel behind the fire📍 Join the Shack community:📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/fromtheshackpodcast🎬 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@fromtheshackpodcast▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fromtheshackpodcast👨🍳 Steve (Charred Food Co): https://instagram.com/charredfoodco👨🍳 Dec (Cheshire Grill): https://instagram.com/cheshire_grill🔥 Cheshire BBQ School: https://instagram.com/cheshirebbqschool🎯 Want to work with us in Season 2?We’re open to podcast sponsors, product collabs, BBQ events, and shoutouts. Let’s build something 🔥🎧 Catch up on all episodes of Season 1 on:Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music | Google Podcasts🔥 Hit play, raise a glass (or a brisket), and help us close out Season 1 with a bang.#FromTheShackPodcast #UKBBQWeek #BBQPodcast #LiveFireCooking #BBQCommunity #Thermapen #GlobalticCharcoal #TheCateringButcher #TexasBBQ #CheshireBBQSchool #KamadoCooking
From the Shack Podcast — Episode 15: "UK BBQ Week, AI, BBQ & Monolith"
🎙 Streaming from 9AM Sunday morning! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms.
This week, we’re diving into one of the biggest weeks in the UK BBQ calendar… and lighting up some BIG discussions along the way:
👇 Inside this episode:
— UK BBQ Week 2025: What it’s all about, the daily cooking themes, and what we’re planning to throw on the fire! (Spoiler: expect smoke, sizzle, and some surprises).
— The Rise of AI in BBQ Socials: Fake food pics? Enhanced BBQ shots? Is it helping or hurting the real-deal backyard cook movement? We get into it.
— BIG NEWS: We’re teaming up with Monolith Kamado: Why we're buzzing about working with one of the most respected names in the ceramic grill game.
— Plus the usual fire:
🍖 What we've been cooking
🔥 Community news
📅 Upcoming events
💬 Unfiltered takes and probably some off-topic laughs.
🛠️ This episode is brought to you by Thermapen
Because when you’re serious about your BBQ, you NEED accuracy.
🎯 Use the code SHACK-20 at checkout for 20% off sitewide — you’re welcome.
📍 Follow us & join the Shack community:
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/fromtheshackpodcast
🎬 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@fromtheshackpodcast
▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fromtheshackpodcast
👨🍳 Steve (Charred Food Co): https://instagram.com/charredfoodco
👨🍳 Dec (Cheshire Grill): https://instagram.com/cheshire_grill
🔥 Cheshire BBQ School: https://instagram.com/cheshirebbqschool
🎯 Want to get involved with the show?
We’re open to sponsorships, product features, BBQ event partnerships, and shoutouts! If you want your brand to be in front of a real, growing BBQ community — get in touch!
👂 Ready to listen?
Hit play, fire up the grill, and let’s make Sunday mornings your new BBQ ritual.
(And hey — don't forget to drop us a review if you love what we’re building here.)
🎧 Listen now on:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music | Google Podcasts
#FromTheShackPodcast #UKBBQ #BBQPodcast #CheshireBBQSchool #BBQCommunity #Thermapen #UKBBQWeek #KamadoCooking #MonolithGrills
“Foundations, Fire, and the Feast”
Available from 9AM Sunday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube
🔥 Inside the First Ever Cheshire BBQ School Class
Steve shares how it all kicked off — from lighting up the kettles to laying down the BBQ fundamentals. Real backyard skills, hands-on coaching, and a room full of fired-up learners. Spoiler: it was class.
🔥 The Wild Grill Experience at Millington Hall Farm
Think offset smoker. Think banquet. Think fire-fuelled storytelling in the Cheshire countryside. Steve takes us behind the scenes of his new demo pitmaster role and how BBQ is more than a meal — it's a movement.
🔥 Alfresco Chapel Open Day Recap
One field. One flame. Loads of familiar faces. We reflect on a brilliant day with the Northern UK BBQ community — full of laughter, smoke, and stories. If you were there, you’ll want to relive it. If you weren’t? Hit play and catch the vibe.
The only thermometer we trust on the shack shelf. Lightning fast. British-built. Game-changing accuracy.
👉 Grab yours at thermapen.co.uk
💸 Use code SHACK20 for 20% off sitewide
📍 @cheshirebbqschool
📍 @millington.hall.farm
📍 @alfrescochapel
📍 @charredfoodco
📍 @cheshiregrill
📍 @thermapen
Want to sponsor the podcast or get your shout-out heard by the UK BBQ community?
📩 Drop us a DM or email — we’d love to chat.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to take your first BBQ class, fire up an offset, or hang with the UK’s BBQ fam in a chapel field — this episode’s got your name on it.
🎙️ Hit play. Fire up your pit. Let’s go.
#BBQPodcast #UKBBQ #BBQCommunity #OffsetSmoker #BackyardBBQ #Thermapen #FromTheShack #CheshireBBQSchool
Episode 13 - Dec’s Top 3 Cookbooks & The Best Kamado Debate! 📚🔥
This week, Dec breaks down his top 3 must-have cookbooks for anyone serious about BBQ, grilling, and live fire cooking. If you’re looking to up your game, these books should be on your shelf! 📖🔥
Also in this episode:
🔥 What’s the best Kamado? Mark from Instagram asked, so we’re diving into it—pros, cons, and which ones are worth your money.
🔥 Steve’s BBQ classes update—more info on what to expect and why they’re perfect for anyone wanting to master the grill.
🔥 Millington Hall Farm demo role—Steve shares more about his new position as pitmaster for their live fire experience days.
🔥 Community news, events, and what we’ve been cooking.
🎧 Listen now:
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/from-the-shack/id1581288822
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0aWSUXGH6KIYdOOBd9rd3O?si=-mkhYbI9SIOt1VoLZJtP4Q
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDZWIzmo2Qke0ivSUHn3JnhChP5SEqpDW
📚 Dec’s top cookbook picks:
SEARED - https://amzn.eu/d/ddo9kEk
Indian Curry at Home -https://amzn.eu/d/94Xbfnk
Beefy Boys - https://amzn.eu/d/dEsG3Mw
Big Eats - https://amzn.eu/d/j1NVTpm
🍖 Cheshire BBQ School - tickets available now:
https://charred.sumupstore.com
📍 Follow us & join the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/fromtheshackpod?igsh=M2N1Ym04NHIwMHI2
#BBQPodcast #BBQCookbooks #LiveFireCooking #KamadoGrill #CheshireBBQSchool
Episode 12 - Fields to Fork Festival & Big Announcements! 🎙🔥
In this episode, we’re joined by Alex from the Fields to Fork Festival to talk all about this brand-new two-day festival celebrating British farming and the culture that surrounds it. We cover:
✅ The vision behind Fields to Fork 🌾
✅ The top-tier chefs doing live fire demos 🔥
✅ What to expect across the weekend 🎪
And because Alex is feeling generous, we’ve got a family ticket giveaway for the festival—head over to our Instagram to enter! 🎟
Plus, in this episode:
🍽 Dec’s double restaurant review—two spots you need to check out
🔥 Steve’s BBQ classes are LIVE—tickets for Cheshire BBQ School are now on sale!
🔥 Community news, BBQ talk, and more!
🎧 Listen now: https://linktr.ee/fromtheshackpod
🎟 Fields to Fork Festival: https://fieldstoforkfestival.co.uk/
📍 Follow Alex & the festival: https://www.instagram.com/fields_to_fork
🍖 Cheshire BBQ School: https://www.instagram.com/cheshire_bbq_school
📲 Follow us & enter the giveaway: https://www.instagram.com/fromtheshackpod
#FieldsToFork #BBQPodcast #LiveFireCooking #BBQCommunity #CheshireBBQSchool
Episode 11 is here, featuring special guest Ryan Green from @grillinggearuk_! We chat all about his new brand Grilling Gear, what’s in store for the future, and some seriously game-changing BBQ products—including his Chimney Starter and brand-new Burger Smasher, which just dropped this week.
Exclusive Listener Offer! 🔥
Ryan is hooking up our listeners with FREE shipping on all Grilling Gear orders placed from Sunday, 2nd March to the following Sunday—saving you £3.50! Just use the code SHACK when ordering here:
✅ What we’ve been cooking – some banging dishes as always
✅ Community news & upcoming events – are you heading to any BBQ events this year?
✅ Huge news – we have an official show sponsor! 🎉
We’re buzzing to announce Thermapen (@thermapen) as our official sponsor! The ultimate precision food thermometer, built for pros but loved by home cooks. Want one? Use code SHACK20 for 20% off at thermapen.co.uk
✅ Steve’s big updates:
👊 Follow Ryan & Grilling Gear: @grillinggearuk_
🔥 Community BBQ Pages: @bbqupnorth | @jons.bbq
🏡 Millington Hall Farm: @millington.hall.farm
🎧 Listen now and let us know your thoughts!
From The Shack - Episode 10 | Your Guide to UK BBQ Events 2025
Episode Summary:
In this episode, we're diving into the UK BBQ event calendar! Join us as we chat about the confirmed events on the horizon, the ones we’re excited to attend, and even the ones we dream about. We'll also share community news, update you on our latest cooking adventures, and give shoutouts to fellow BBQ enthusiasts.
What to Expect:
UK BBQ Event Calendar: A detailed look at the events currently confirmed—plus our personal picks of where we’re headed next!
Community News: Catch up on what’s been happening at From The Shack and around the BBQ scene.
Cooking Updates & Shoutouts: Hear about our recent cooks and get a chance to be featured—if you know of any events or want a shoutout on the pod, let us know!
We want to hear from you! If you know of any BBQ events, big or small, that we might have missed, drop us a message. And if you want a shoutout on the podcast, tell us about it—this is all about building the UK BBQ community together.
Connect with Us:
Instagram: @fromtheshackpod
TikTok: @fromtheshackpod
YouTube: @fromtheshackpod
Thanks for joining us on this episode of From The Shack! We’re fired up about the exciting events ahead and can’t wait to see you all out there grilling and gathering. Until next time, keep the fire burning and happy BBQ-ing!
From The Shack - Episode 9 | Live from Alfresco Chapel: BBQ Stores, Events & Why You Need to Support Them
Episode Summary:
This week, we’re on location at Alfresco Chapel, the North West’s go-to BBQ store, to chat all things live fire, grills, and why independent BBQ shops like this are so important to the community.
We’re joined by owner Steve and BBQ expert Adam to get the inside scoop on what makes Alfresco Chapel a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast. From hands-on access to the best BBQ gear to expert advice you won’t find online, we dive into why it’s more important than ever to use them or lose them!
Beyond the store, we discuss upcoming BBQ events, must-visit restaurants, and other great independent BBQ retailers across the UK. If you’re serious about fire cooking, this episode is packed with insights on where to go, what to buy, and why supporting your local BBQ scene is essential.
So, fire up the grill and settle in for another cracking episode of From the Shack!
What to Expect:
🔥 Live from Alfresco Chapel: Why this store is a BBQ lover’s dream.
🔥 Interview with Steve & Adam: What makes Alfresco Chapel unique and why you should visit.
🔥 BBQ stores, events & restaurants: The best places to fuel your fire cooking passion.
🔥 Why we need to support independent BBQ stores—use them or lose them!
Where to Find Alfresco Chapel:
📍 Alfresco Chapel, Chorley, North West, UK
📲 Instagram: @alfrescochapel
Connect with Us:
We’d love to hear from you! Where do you go for BBQ gear, and what local BBQ businesses should more people know about? Let us know:
Outro:
A huge thanks to Steve and Adam for having us at Alfresco Chapel! If you’re serious about BBQ, get yourself down there and check it out. We’ll be back next week with more fire cooking chat—until then, happy grilling!
From The Shack - Bonus Episode | Dec’s New York Food Adventures
Episode Summary:
In this special bonus episode, Dec takes us on a mouthwatering tour of his recent trip to New York! From iconic street food to legendary BBQ joints and hidden gems, we dive into all the incredible places he visited and the flavors that left a lasting impression.
We’ll chat about how the Big Apple’s food scene inspired Dec, and how those experiences might influence our future cooks at From the Shack. If you’ve ever wondered where to eat when you’re in NYC or just want some foodie inspiration, this episode is for you!
So, grab a snack and join us for a transatlantic journey packed with flavor, fire, and all things food.
What to Expect:
Dec’s ultimate foodie highlights from New York City.
Must-visit spots: BBQ joints, burger bars, delis, and more.
How the NYC food scene stacks up against the U.K. BBQ community.
Fresh inspiration for fire cooking and BBQ ideas from Dec’s trip.
Plenty of laughs, stories, and tips for your next trip to the Big Apple!
Featured NYC Spots Mentioned in This Episode:
Katz’s Delicatessen: Legendary pastrami sandwiches.
Joe’s Pizza: A slice of authentic NYC.
Hometown Bar-B-Que: Smoky, tender meats done right.
Smorgasburg: A street food paradise.
Peter Luger Steak House: Classic New York steakhouse vibes.
Connect with Us:
Have you visited NYC or tried any of the spots Dec mentions? Let us know your thoughts or share your favorite food destinations!
Instagram: @fromtheshackpod
TikTok: @fromtheshackpod
YouTube: @fromtheshackpod
Outro:
Thanks for tuning in to this special bonus episode! Dec’s back in the shack with plenty of stories and new ideas to share. Catch us in the next episode for even more fire cooking, BBQ inspiration, and foodie fun. Until then, happy grilling!
From The Shack - Episode 8 | Influencers You Should Be Following
Episode Summary:
We’re back together! Dec’s fresh from his Stateside adventures, and it’s our first joint episode of 2025. This week, we’re catching up on all the foodie escapades we’ve been up to since the last pod—everything from fire-fueled feasts to culinary inspiration we’ve picked up along the way.
Our main topic? The must-follow influencers who are shaping the world of BBQ and fire cooking right now. Between us, we’ve got six incredible accounts to share that will up your grilling and BBQ game. Whether you’re looking for plant-based fire cooking, masterful meat techniques, or stunning food photography, we’ve got you covered.
So grab a drink, fire up the grill, and join us for another fun-filled episode of From the Shack!
Featured Influencers You Need to Follow:
👉 @chefdandanielwatkins – Game-changing plant-based cooking.
👉 @jamespecckk – The man behind Ember, bringing fire-fueled feasts to life.
👉 @melissafood – Stunning storytelling paired with bold flavors.
👉 @genevieveeats – A true trailblazer in the UK BBQ scene.
👉 @charlieboy_bbq – Master of meat and fire.
👉 @keithcooks – BBQ brilliance with a creative twist.
What to Expect:
Connect with Us:
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, BBQ creations, or let us know your favourite BBQ influencers:
Don’t forget to tag us in your BBQ photos or leave us a message about what’s cooking in your shack!
Outro:
Thanks for tuning in! It’s great to kick off the year together, and we’ve got so much more in store for 2025. Until next time, happy grilling, and don’t forget to give those influencers a follow—they’re guaranteed to inspire your next cook!
From The Shack - Episode 7 | Steve Solo hosts while Dec is on holiday
Episode Summary:
This week, it’s just Steve holding down the shack while Dec explores the bright lights of New York! In this more laid-back, solo episode, we’re kicking off 2025 with big plans, bold flavors, and a love for BBQ that keeps us fired up.
Join me as I share what’s on the horizon for From the Shack this year, from exciting guest interviews to building the U.K. BBQ community. I’ll also take you through my upcoming cooks, including a show-stopping Côte de Boeuf and a low-and-slow brisket, plus I’ll highlight a smoky, hearty Mexican Black Bean Stew that’s perfect for winter grilling.
Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just love great food, this episode has something for everyone. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s talk fire, food, and community!
What to Expect:
Featured Recipe:
Mexican Black Bean Stew
• Oil, for cooking
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 poblanos, seeded and diced (use sweet peppers and some green hot peppers if you can’t get poblanos)
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 30g+ of your favourite rub or seasoning
• chiote paste if available adds great flavour
• 170g tomato purée
• 1 veg stock jelly
• 3 garlic cloves, grated
• 1 tbsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp smoked sweet paprika
• 1 tsp chipotle powder (use chilli powder for milder flavour)
• Two or three 400g cans black beans (or any beans you prefer )
• 240ml water
• 4 hotlink sausages, smoked, then grilled and sliced into 1.5cm discs
• sliced white tortillas, deep-fried until golden and salted
• 340–450g shredded cheese (e.g., Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend)
• 60g sour cream
• 1 lime optional
Mexican Rice Ingredients
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 200g long-grain rice
• 400ml chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh coriander, chopped, for garnish
Updated Method
1. Preheat your BBQ or oven to 190°C.
2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and poblano, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until tender.
3. Stir in tomatoes, seasoning, tomato purée, and stock. Cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add 2/3 of the garlic, chilli powder, cumin, paprika, and chipotle powder. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in the beans with their liquid, along with 240ml water. Cover, reduce heat, and let stew for at least 1 hour.
6. Meanwhile, smoke and grill the hotlink sausages. Slice them into 1.5cm discs and add to the stew for the final hour of cooking.
7. Combine sour cream, remaining garlic, and lime juice in a small bowl. Season to taste.
8. Fry sliced tortillas until golden and crunchy, then salt and set aside.
9. For the Mexican rice: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic until softened. Stir in rice, stock, tomato purée, paprika, and seasoning. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until rice is cooked. Fluff with a fork and garnish with coriander.
10. Taste the stew and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve with the lime crema, Mexican rice, and crispy tortillas on the side.!
Connect with Us:
We love hearing from our listeners! Share your thoughts, BBQ creations, or ideas for the podcast:
Tag us in your BBQ posts—we can’t wait to see what you’re cooking!