Smoke & Sear: Celebrating and Supporting the UK BBQ Scene

FROM TECH TO GRILL

IGNITING A WORLDWIDE BBQ PASSION

Welcome to Smoke & Sear – the no-frills junction where tech and BBQ collide. I’m Lee, tech guy by day, BBQ maverick by night. Born in the 2020 lockdown, this is my corner for sharing grilling stories and bringing together BBQ enthusiasts from all over.

Smoke & Sear By the Numbers:

Website Visitors (Last 90 Days): 31,000
Facebook Reach (Last 90 Days): 114.9K
Instagram Followers: 14K
Most Popular Page Views: 7.3K (Ninja Woodfire)
Top Query Click-Through Rate: 25.95% (“ninja smoker recipes”)
Average Engagement Time on Site: 1 minute 8 seconds
Primary Audience: UK and US with over 26K users combined
Instagram Interactions (Last 90 Days): 3K
Facebook Link Clicks (Last 90 Days): 2.2K

Last updated on 11th January 2024

STEP-BY-STEP

RANDOM RECIPE SHOWCASE

High-Heat Mediterranean Feast: Charred Lamb Chops, Blistered Bell Peppers, and Crispy Potatoes

View Recipe

Ninja Woodfire Step-by-Step Ninja Recipes

Ninja Woodfire Smashburger: Take on the Mcdonald’s Classic at home

View Recipe

Step-by-Step BBQ Recipes

Crackin’ Combos: Your Go-To Guide for Grilling Temps, Cooking Styles & Perfect BBQ Pairings

View Recipe

Step-by-Step BBQ Recipes

CAN YOU HANDLE THE HEAT?

HONEST BBQ REVIEWS

INTERESTED IN AN HONEST REVIEW?

Catch the Latest Sizzle

My BBQ Journey on Instagram

smoke.sear Jul 13

🏡 As we pack up the house and clear out the kitchen/freezer, I stumbled upon a hidden gem - a tomahawk steak from @villagebutchers and there was no way I was cooking this beauty inside.

Most of my BBQs are already in storage, but the trusty compact @weberuk Go Anywhere was still sitting in the garden. With half a bag of @cuethebbq charcoal left in the shed and a single block of oak wood, it was clearly a sign.🔥

Of course, I went for my preferred cook - reverse seared. Smoked low over oak, then seared dirty directly on the coals before resting with @lumberjaxefood ‘Cowboy Butter’. This is the first time I’ve cooked since Christmas Day and man, I’ve missed that taste! Absolutely loved it! 💥

Despite its compact size, the Go Anywhere always delivers.

Can’t wait for the next BBQ once I’ve settled in Lincolnshire.

Let’s hope it’s not too long now! 🥩🚀

#BBQ #TomahawkSteak #ReverseSeared #WeberGoAnywhere #SmokeAndSear #BBQLovers #BBQCommunity #GrillMasters #CharcoalGrill #MeatSweats

186 13

Open

🏡 As we pack up the house and clear out the kitchen/freezer, I stumbled upon a hidden gem - a tomahawk steak from @villagebutchers and there was no way I was cooking this beauty inside.

Most of my BBQs are already in storage, but the trusty compact @weberuk Go Anywhere was still sitting in the garden. With half a bag of @cuethebbq charcoal left in the shed and a single block of oak wood, it was clearly a sign.🔥

Of course, I went for my preferred cook - reverse seared. Smoked low over oak, then seared dirty directly on the coals before resting with @lumberjaxefood ‘Cowboy Butter’. This is the first time I’ve cooked since Christmas Day and man, I’ve missed that taste! Absolutely loved it! 💥

Despite its compact size, the Go Anywhere always delivers.

Can’t wait for the next BBQ once I’ve settled in Lincolnshire.

Let’s hope it’s not too long now! 🥩🚀

#BBQ #TomahawkSteak #ReverseSeared #WeberGoAnywhere #SmokeAndSear #BBQLovers #BBQCommunity #GrillMasters #CharcoalGrill #MeatSweats

186 13

smoke.sear Jun 22

2024 has been a shitstorm: separation, divorce, closing my business, redundancy, losing health benefits and my company car, selling my home, and now moving to Lincolnshire. 🚀

There were some dark days. When it rains, it pours, right? 🌧️ But I pushed through. Sadly, not everyone does. That’s why when I saw an ad for @boysgetsadtoostudio on the gram, I was at the checkout right away. Their “Boys Get Sad Too” top is covered in fire/flames 🔥, and being obsessed with live fire cooking, it felt like a sign! I had to buy it!

People stop me every day to say how fantastic the message is. It’s a small but powerful reminder that we’re not alone.

I’m usually the type to bottle things up and handle it myself. But if you need someone to rant, moan, or shout at, my inbox is always open.

Posting this isn’t a cry for attention. I’m over the worst days now, climbing out the hole, and building from scratch! The purpose of this message is to show others that mental health isn’t a weakness! It’s a temporary blip, and by supporting each other, we can all get through the dark times.

Here’s to making 2025 fucking awesome! 😂

P.S. Anyone in South/Southwest Lincolnshire, drop me a DM. When I move in a few weeks, I won’t know fucking anyone lol.

#MensMentalHealth #BoysGetSadToo #MentalHealthAwareness #YouAreNotAlone #TalkAboutIt #SupportEachOther

197 41

Open

2024 has been a shitstorm: separation, divorce, closing my business, redundancy, losing health benefits and my company car, selling my home, and now moving to Lincolnshire. 🚀

There were some dark days. When it rains, it pours, right? 🌧️ But I pushed through. Sadly, not everyone does. That’s why when I saw an ad for @boysgetsadtoostudio on the gram, I was at the checkout right away. Their “Boys Get Sad Too” top is covered in fire/flames 🔥, and being obsessed with live fire cooking, it felt like a sign! I had to buy it!

People stop me every day to say how fantastic the message is. It’s a small but powerful reminder that we’re not alone.

I’m usually the type to bottle things up and handle it myself. But if you need someone to rant, moan, or shout at, my inbox is always open.

Posting this isn’t a cry for attention. I’m over the worst days now, climbing out the hole, and building from scratch! The purpose of this message is to show others that mental health isn’t a weakness! It’s a temporary blip, and by supporting each other, we can all get through the dark times.

Here’s to making 2025 fucking awesome! 😂

P.S. Anyone in South/Southwest Lincolnshire, drop me a DM. When I move in a few weeks, I won’t know fucking anyone lol.

#MensMentalHealth #BoysGetSadToo #MentalHealthAwareness #YouAreNotAlone #TalkAboutIt #SupportEachOther

197 41

smoke.sear Jun 8

👀 Thinking of a possible move to Lincolnshire, so took the little lad on a recon mission. Stomachs growling, we stumbled upon V-ATE American Smokehouse in Sutterton. Mate, it was like stepping into Radiator Springs from Disney’s Cars, mini bowling alley and all!

The boy went for a ‘Classic Dog’ with pit beans, while I tackled the ‘Dodge Charger’—pure, unadulterated filth in the best way possible. 🤤

If Lincolnshire becomes home, you can bet I’ll be hitting up @v_ate_uk regularly. And maybe schooling the kids in bowling on the side! 🎳🔥

#SmokeAndSear #LincolnshireAdventures #BBQLife

117 8

Open

👀 Thinking of a possible move to Lincolnshire, so took the little lad on a recon mission. Stomachs growling, we stumbled upon V-ATE American Smokehouse in Sutterton. Mate, it was like stepping into Radiator Springs from Disney’s Cars, mini bowling alley and all!

The boy went for a ‘Classic Dog’ with pit beans, while I tackled the ‘Dodge Charger’—pure, unadulterated filth in the best way possible. 🤤

If Lincolnshire becomes home, you can bet I’ll be hitting up @v_ate_uk regularly. And maybe schooling the kids in bowling on the side! 🎳🔥

#SmokeAndSear #LincolnshireAdventures #BBQLife

117 8

smoke.sear May 1

🍎 🍺 Apple Cider Baby Back Ribs 🍺 🍎 - whilst enjoying a few cheeky glasses during the process 😉

I made these one year ago exactly, and they are still the best ribs I’ve had to date!

For those interest in replicating my cook here are the details:

Rub:

* 50 g brown sugar
* 15 g paprika
* 15 g garlic powder
* 15 g onion powder
* 15 g ground cumin
* 15 g kosher salt
* 15 g black pepper
* 7 g ground coriander
* 2 g ground cinnamon

Sauce:

* 500 ml apple cider
* 60 ml apple cider vinegar
* 30 ml honey
* 30 ml pure maple syrup
* 15 ml Worcestershire sauce

KJ: @bbqs2u
Cider: @sandfordorchards
Ribs: @villagebutchers

P.S You never know, in a month or so when I’ve found a@new home I may even dust off those grills and get back in the game! 😉

#flashback #memories #ribs #goodtimes

248 20

Open

🍎 🍺 Apple Cider Baby Back Ribs 🍺 🍎 - whilst enjoying a few cheeky glasses during the process 😉

I made these one year ago exactly, and they are still the best ribs I’ve had to date!

For those interest in replicating my cook here are the details:

Rub:

* 50 g brown sugar
* 15 g paprika
* 15 g garlic powder
* 15 g onion powder
* 15 g ground cumin
* 15 g kosher salt
* 15 g black pepper
* 7 g ground coriander
* 2 g ground cinnamon

Sauce:

* 500 ml apple cider
* 60 ml apple cider vinegar
* 30 ml honey
* 30 ml pure maple syrup
* 15 ml Worcestershire sauce

KJ: @bbqs2u
Cider: @sandfordorchards
Ribs: @villagebutchers

P.S You never know, in a month or so when I’ve found a@new home I may even dust off those grills and get back in the game! 😉

#flashback #memories #ribs #goodtimes

248 20

smoke.sear Mar 30

Enjoyed some great food at @liquorandloaded today following a recommendation by @fatboyontheweber . . . I may have been a bit ambitious going for the full platter when I’ve not really eaten properly for weeks, but on the positive side, i took a nice selection back to the holiday park to enjoy later, ha.

#easterholiday #bbqfood #kids

108 5

Open

Enjoyed some great food at @liquorandloaded today following a recommendation by @fatboyontheweber . . . I may have been a bit ambitious going for the full platter when I’ve not really eaten properly for weeks, but on the positive side, i took a nice selection back to the holiday park to enjoy later, ha.

#easterholiday #bbqfood #kids

108 5

smoke.sear Mar 28

Hey Smoke & Sear fam 🖤, it’s been silent here, but life’s been loud.

My 15-year marriage ended, reshaping everything. We couldn’t make it work despite our best efforts, but we’re focused on being there for our kids, as friends and co-parents. She’s been my rock, and parting ways is one of the toughest paths I’ve walked.

In this whirlwind, I closed No Bull, my sideline in digital marketing and web development, after 12 years. From supporting brands in diverse industries, it’s been a ride of creativity and growth. Then, the shock—after 21 years at a leading company, steering Digital Innovation, I’m facing redundancy.

Through this storm, DigitalEmber ignites. 🌟 A blend of my digital expertise and my passion for BBQ, it’s a venture into flexibility and new beginnings, focusing on what matters most—my family. Offering services from Digital Marketing to Website Development, and, yes, BBQ Content Creation, it’s a fresh start. And while it’s my dream to support brands in the BBQ sphere, my doors are open wide, drawing on my vast experience.

Despite my absence, the support has been overwhelming. Over 25,000 visits to the Smoke & Sear website in 7 weeks, vibrant chats in our WhatsApp BBQ community, and personal messages of support—it’s truly special.

DigitalEmber is early days, but it’s fueled by hope. Join me @digital.ember let’s embark on new projects, especially if it involves flame and flavor. Smoke & Sear will return too, with more BBQ tales once I find our new space.

Thank you for standing by me. Here’s to seizing this chance for growth, to being there for my kids, and to summer adventures that await us. 🚐💫

Lee 🌟

#DigitalEmber #NewBeginnings #SmokeAndSear #BBQFamily #lifechanges

59 22

Open

Hey Smoke & Sear fam 🖤, it’s been silent here, but life’s been loud.

My 15-year marriage ended, reshaping everything. We couldn’t make it work despite our best efforts, but we’re focused on being there for our kids, as friends and co-parents. She’s been my rock, and parting ways is one of the toughest paths I’ve walked.

In this whirlwind, I closed No Bull, my sideline in digital marketing and web development, after 12 years. From supporting brands in diverse industries, it’s been a ride of creativity and growth. Then, the shock—after 21 years at a leading company, steering Digital Innovation, I’m facing redundancy.

Through this storm, DigitalEmber ignites. 🌟 A blend of my digital expertise and my passion for BBQ, it’s a venture into flexibility and new beginnings, focusing on what matters most—my family. Offering services from Digital Marketing to Website Development, and, yes, BBQ Content Creation, it’s a fresh start. And while it’s my dream to support brands in the BBQ sphere, my doors are open wide, drawing on my vast experience.

Despite my absence, the support has been overwhelming. Over 25,000 visits to the Smoke & Sear website in 7 weeks, vibrant chats in our WhatsApp BBQ community, and personal messages of support—it’s truly special.

DigitalEmber is early days, but it’s fueled by hope. Join me @digital.ember let’s embark on new projects, especially if it involves flame and flavor. Smoke & Sear will return too, with more BBQ tales once I find our new space.

Thank you for standing by me. Here’s to seizing this chance for growth, to being there for my kids, and to summer adventures that await us. 🚐💫

Lee 🌟

#DigitalEmber #NewBeginnings #SmokeAndSear #BBQFamily #lifechanges

59 22

smoke.sear Feb 24

🔥✨ Sometimes, life throws curveballs that test us in ways we never imagined. The past month has been a whirlwind of changes for me – from parting ways with my partner of 14 years, closing down my digital marketing side hustle, facing redundancy at a company I’ve called home for over two decades, to the heart-wrenching decision of selling our family home. It’s been a journey through hell, and I’m still finding my way through the darkness.

But in the midst of this storm, the UK BBQ community has been a beacon of light and support. Your messages and encouragement have been nothing short of overwhelming, and I cannot thank you enough for being there for me during these trying times.

A special shoutout to @wolf.meats.smoke for an incredible act of kindness. Mitch invited me over to Daventry for an unforgettable BBQ experience, alongside his brother-in-law @smokenlenses_ I had the privilege of witnessing the mighty @ironbrandcustomsmokers in action, and let me tell you, it was spectacular. Wagyu brisket, pastrami beef cheeks, and Texas-style ox cheeks – the food was out of this world, and for the first time in weeks, I was able to just breathe and enjoy the moment.

#BBQCommunity #Grateful #UKBBQ #IronBrandCustomSmokers #BBQLife #NewBeginnings #SupportSystem #BBQFamily

267 22

Open

🔥✨ Sometimes, life throws curveballs that test us in ways we never imagined. The past month has been a whirlwind of changes for me – from parting ways with my partner of 14 years, closing down my digital marketing side hustle, facing redundancy at a company I’ve called home for over two decades, to the heart-wrenching decision of selling our family home. It’s been a journey through hell, and I’m still finding my way through the darkness.

But in the midst of this storm, the UK BBQ community has been a beacon of light and support. Your messages and encouragement have been nothing short of overwhelming, and I cannot thank you enough for being there for me during these trying times.

A special shoutout to @wolf.meats.smoke for an incredible act of kindness. Mitch invited me over to Daventry for an unforgettable BBQ experience, alongside his brother-in-law @smokenlenses_ I had the privilege of witnessing the mighty @ironbrandcustomsmokers in action, and let me tell you, it was spectacular. Wagyu brisket, pastrami beef cheeks, and Texas-style ox cheeks – the food was out of this world, and for the first time in weeks, I was able to just breathe and enjoy the moment.

#BBQCommunity #Grateful #UKBBQ #IronBrandCustomSmokers #BBQLife #NewBeginnings #SupportSystem #BBQFamily

267 22

smoke.sear Jan 28

Proper Dirty BBQ Rib Loaded Fries . . . for lunch!

As usual, full recipe can be found on my website.

Ribs: @villagebutchers
Ninja Woodfire: @ninjakitchenuk

Note: Yes, the backing track is another A.I masterpiece I just created 😂

#dirtyfries #loadedfries #ninjawoodfire #lunch

152 16

Open

Proper Dirty BBQ Rib Loaded Fries . . . for lunch!

As usual, full recipe can be found on my website.

Ribs: @villagebutchers
Ninja Woodfire: @ninjakitchenuk

Note: Yes, the backing track is another A.I masterpiece I just created 😂

#dirtyfries #loadedfries #ninjawoodfire #lunch

152 16

Load More Follow me on Instagram

MAKING IT ALL POSSIBLE

PROUD TO HAVE WORKED WITH

Ninja UK

Blenders, Air Fryers, Grills & More

You know what’s truly awesome? The team at Ninja UK. Last summer (2022), they invited me to a top-secret event in London to test out a new product: the Woodfire. As a fan of Ninja products I was already excited, but getting an invite to attend was a huge confidence boost for me.

The Village Butchers

Cook with Quality

The team at ‘Village Butchers‘, led by the exceptional Joe, has been my go-to source for all my meat purchases for the past two years. Their service has been nothing short of extraordinary. So, you can imagine my astonishment when Joe approached me with a proposition for a long-term collaboration.

BBQ's 2u

The family business passionate about BBQs

I was first contacted by ‘BBQ’s 2u‘ back in September 2021 now regard Paul and his family as friends. We continue to support each others businesses and will continue to for the foreseeable future.

OUR DOOR IS OPEN

We’re open to further collaborations

I’m here to support the UK BBQ scene as much as I can and have developed some fantastic long-term relationships within my time in the community. That said . . . it’s not all about me . . . consider contacting your local company / influencer who may be better positioned to help . . . it’s all about teamwork!

FROM TECH TO GRILL

STEP-BY-STEP

High-Heat Mediterranean Feast: Charred Lamb Chops, Blistered Bell Peppers, and Crispy Potatoes

Ninja Woodfire Smashburger: Take on the Mcdonald’s Classic at home

Crackin’ Combos: Your Go-To Guide for Grilling Temps, Cooking Styles & Perfect BBQ Pairings

First Smoke on a Bradley Smoker – Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Flanken-Style Korean BBQ Ribs

Boerewors Breakfast Hash on the Ninja Woodfire Grill

CAN YOU HANDLE THE HEAT?

Ninja Woodfire™ 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven Review: A Versatile Outdoor Cooking Companion with Room for Improvement

Everdure Hub II Review: The Beast of the BBQ World

Ninja Woodfire Grill Review: The Compact Powerhouse with a Smoky Twist

Smokin’ Style: DutchMade® Leather BBQ Apron Review

Ozpig – 1 Year Later – My Thoughts

Love Logs – Planet Friendly Firewood

Ozpig UK

Rum & Que – Hitting the UK Shores

3 Weeks in with my Bradley Smoker – My Thoughts

Catch the Latest Sizzle

MAKING IT ALL POSSIBLE

Ninja UK

The Village Butchers

BBQ's 2u

OUR DOOR IS OPEN

smoke.sear