About

Hi! I’m Lee!

A self-proclaimed BBQ geek, passionate content creator, and founder of Smoke & Sear.

Most days, you’ll find me firing up the grill, crafting digital strategies for my clients at DigitalEmber, or spending quality time with my three amazing kids and my loyal chocolate Labrador, Wren.

For me, BBQ isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experience. From experimenting with new recipes to connecting with an incredible community of like-minded BBQ enthusiasts, I’m here to share the journey, one smoky bite at a time.

My goal is to share my BBQ journey, inspire outdoor cooking, and help grow the BBQ scene.


I’m a Big Geek at Heart

Before BBQ became my passion, technology was (and still is) a massive part of my life. I’ve spent over 20 years working in digital innovation, blending creativity and tech to deliver cutting-edge solutions. As a developer, I’ve built everything from websites to bespoke digital tools, and as a digital marketing expert, I’ve helped brands grow their presence and connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. From crafting marketing strategies to integrating the latest A.I., I thrive on solving problems and pushing boundaries.

These days, I balance running my own agency, DigitalEmber, with my love for BBQ and content creation. Whether it’s diving into A.I., exploring VR and AR, or building the perfect website, I’m always learning, experimenting, and looking for the next big challenge. Being a geek isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am.

Life in Lincolnshire

In 2024, after a separation and redundancy, I made the move to a quiet little hamlet in Lincolnshire—a place so small it doesn’t even have a shop or pub. It was a fresh start, a chance to focus on myself, my kids, and finding a new balance. Working from home in this peaceful corner of the world gives me the space I need, but some days it’s just me and the Amazon delivery driver for company. That’s where Wren, my chocolate Labrador, comes in. She’s my shadow, my companion, and honestly, I’d be lost without her.

Half the time, though, the house comes alive when my three kids—Oscar, Olivia, and Oakley—are here. They’re my everything, and we make the most of every moment together. Whether it’s crafting, playing Fortnite, or just being silly in the garden, I’m all in for the fun (as long as they follow the rules, help out, and do well at school!). It’s safe to say they’re turning into little geeks like their dad, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year . . . 

2025 has been a huge personal challenge but with the kids by my side there is no obstacle we can’t overcome . . . and we’ve made sure we’ve had plenty of fun on the way.

I’ve been slacking off a little with the ‘U.K. BBQ scene’ lately and content creation . . . but behind the scenes I’ve been working on something honestly HUGE and within a month or two I’ll be able to share something that, well, is going to change the U.K BBQ game for sure!  I’m excited just thinking about it . . . 

I want to thank all those who’ve been checking in lately and the thousands and thousands of people who still rely on my Website and WhatsApp Community to help support their own BBQ journey . . . It still amazes me how many of you use what I’ve created.

2026 . . . Let’s do this!  It’s gonna be a wild ride!
Today marks one year since I relaunched the Smoke & Sear website — and honestly, I thought it wouldn’t survive.

With everyone jumping to AI for recipes and reviews, I genuinely expected my little BBQ site to fade away.

But you proved me wrong.

Massively wrong.

Here are 10 epic facts from the first 12 months:

🔥 Nearly 180,000 new people visited the site — enough to fill Wembley twice.

🔥 People from 100+ countries used the site this year.

🔥 The USA alone sent 51,000+ visitors.

🔥 Perfect Pulled Pork was read 32,947 times.

🔥 Ninja content smashed 100,000+ views across Woodfire & FlexFlame reviews.

🔥 Pages were loaded hundreds of thousands of times overall.

🔥 The UK BBQ Events 2025 page hit 7,200+ readers.

🔥 Brisket content pulled 13,000+ views… and I’ve only cooked TWO briskets in my entire life. 😂

🔥 Even the 404 page somehow got 8,406 views.

🔥 And my honest, unsponsored reviews were read over 92,000 times — real testing that people actually trust.

I can’t thank you enough for reading, cooking, sharing, messaging, and keeping this whole thing alive.

In a year where everyone said websites were dead . . . you showed me that real cooks, real stories, and real honesty still matter.

Here’s to year two — bigger, hotter, smokier, and even more ridiculous. 🔥❤️

www.smokeandsear.world

— Lee
Coffee-Infused Beef Short Ribs slathered in a bourbon & maple sauce that was so good I nearly licked the plate clean . . . twice.

Rich, sticky, smoky, sweet, boozy — proper grown-up BBQ that hits different.

🔥 The real star though? That sauce.

Here’s how you make it — trust me, you’ll wanna bookmark this one:

🧪 Bourbon & Maple BBQ Sauce

	•	160g Maple Syrup
	•	80g @woodfordreserve Bourbon
	•	60g Ketchup
	•	60g Brown Sugar
	•	4 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
	•	4 tsp @norfolk_smoke_pit ‘Brew & Briskets’ Rub

Chuck it all in a pan, simmer it down, and let the magic happen. It’s sticky, boozy BBQ gold.

📸 Would I make these again? Absolutely.

⏪ Did I cook these exact ribs 4 years ago to the day? You bet I did.
1 year living next door to RAF Coningsby . . . and what a year it’s been.

Didn’t miss a single Typhoon display practice, caught every Red Arrows pass I could, and those Lancaster moments over the garden will always feel special.

Here’s a little montage of just some of the magic I’ve seen this year.

Can’t wait to see what 2026 brings. ✈️🔥
Not just cooked . . . this tomahawk was forged in fire.

Reverse-cooked low ‘n slow, then straight-up dirty seared right on the coals for that primal crust. Finished with a fat slice of cowboy butter — melted over the top with a chunk of red-hot charcoal.

Flavour? Savage.
Style? Full caveman.
Crust? Absolute filth.

👉 Full step-by-step recipe now live over on the site if you’re keen to give it a go.

www.smokeandsear.world
Too early for a Christmas-themed turkey cook? Maybe.

But with Thanksgiving just around the corner and festive planning in full swing . . . now feels like the perfect time to drop this belter.

Smoked, brined, and slathered in herby garlic butter – this wood-fired turkey’s an absolute showstopper.

Full cook on the Kamado Joe. Full flavour. Full-on festive vibes. 🎄🔥

🎥 Watch the reel
📌 Save it for the big day
🖱️ Full recipe’s up on the site now

#SmokeAndSear #ChristmasTurkey #BBQTurkey #KamadoJoe #SmokedTurkey #ThanksgivingFeast #FestiveBBQ #BBQSeason #BBQLife #TurkeyDoneRight