The Smoke Pit

You walk into this compact spot just off Abington Street and immediately know they're serious about their smoke. The smell hits you first – that proper wood-fired barbecue aroma that can't be faked. The industrial-meets-rustic interior fits the brief perfectly, all exposed brick and metal fixtures. The brisket here is genuinely excellent, with that perfect pink smoke ring and proper bark that takes hours to achieve. Their pulled pork falls apart as it should, and the ribs have that satisfying tug when you bite into them. Portions are generous without being silly, and the sides – particularly the mac and cheese and slaw – complement rather than compete. At around £12-15 for mains, it's fair money for food that requires this much time and skill.