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.

🔥 WE’RE LIVE 🔥

www.fourge.uk

It’s official.

FOURGE is live.

From four lads with an idea . . . 
To a registered company.
Rubs crafted and manufactured.
Merch designed.
Festivals booked.
Foundations built.

And this is only the beginning.

On the site right now:

🔥 Our story
🔥 Events (with a sneak peek menu)
🔥 The Journal
🔥 The Shop — our first rub collection, merch and a couple of bundles to get you started

But make no mistake . . . 

We’re already working on a serious range of products behind the scenes.

Every order fuels Pass The Flame.
Every step pushes UK BBQ forward.

Go have a look.
Back it if you believe in it.

United by Flame.
Andy, Ben, Liam & Lee

#Fourge #UnitedByFlame #UKBBQ
For the past few days I’ve been glued to the forecast like some obsessed weather nerd . . . 

Low cloud.
Wind.
Rain.
Cancelled. Cancelled. Cancelled.

But today . . . blue skies 😎

Being half term, I grabbed my two youngest and headed straight for the fence line with cautious optimism . . . 

And boom 💥

First display @raf_typhoondisplayteam practice of the season, and it did NOT disappoint.

Huge moment seeing DRAGON01 tear up the Lincolnshire sky 🔥

Flight Lieutenant Tom Nation absolutely sending it.

Some things are just worth the wait.

✈️🇬🇧

#TyphoonDisplayTeam #RAF #DRAGON01 #HalfTermWin
47 today . . . Perfect excuse to chuck a rack of ribs on and get stuck in for a cheeky little birthday treat.

Back in 2024 Ninja flew me out to Nashville for the US launch of the FlexFlame, and it’s only just properly landed here in the UK. So today wasn’t about polished content — it was about getting familiar with it again and making sure everything’s running sweet.

After all . . . I did build it myself 😅

Meaty spare ribs from @thecateringbutcher coated in @harry_js_bbq Smoky Cola rub. Couple of hours in the smoke, wrapped in butter, sugar and honey, then finished off with a sticky glaze.

All while standing out there in the snow of all things ❄️🔥

Disclaimer:  The FlexFlame was sent to me by @ninjakitchenuk and I’ll be creating some official content with it very soon.
🔥 The 2026 UK BBQ Events Calendar is Heating Up! 🔥

The calendar’s been live for a few weeks now – but I’ve just dropped a bunch of cracking new events in there… and let me tell ya, BBQ season is looking like it’s kicking off with a bang in March! 💥🔥

From epic meat-ups to demo days and smoke-filled festivals – there’s already a solid lineup to get your tongs twitching.

🗓️ Free interactive calendar
📱 Subscribe straight to your phone
📍 Find it in The Smoke & Sear HUB
💡 Maps, tickets, details, it’s all there

I’m adding events as fast as they’re announced – or when you lot shout about ’em. So let me know what you’re buzzing for… or tag someone running an event I’ve missed.

👇 Which BBQ event are YOU most hyped for this year?
🔥 Drop it in the comments
♻️ Repost to help this reach more of the BBQ fam
📬 Let’s make this the go-to calendar for UK BBQ in 2026

Let’s grow the scene together. More smoke, more fire, more community. 🔥🇬🇧

👉 [Link in bio]
You’ll have seen @fourge.bbq pop up yesterday.

I wanted to take a moment to explain what that means for me — and for Smoke & Sear.

Smoke & Sear didn’t start as a plan or a brand. It started when I invested in my first smoker and fell headfirst into outdoor cooking. Along the way, I discovered a growing, supportive BBQ community on Instagram — people sharing knowledge, encouraging each other, and genuinely wanting to see the UK BBQ scene grow.

I loved it.

From that point on, Smoke & Sear became my way of giving something back. Sharing what I was learning, being honest about the wins and the mistakes, testing gear, highlighting good people, and doing my small bit to help grow UK BBQ in a positive way.

That’s never changed.

Smoke & Sear is still me. Still community-first. Still about learning, sharing, and supporting where I can.

But being one person, there’s only so much reach you can have on your own.

Being part of @fourge.bbq opens that up.

FOURGE is a separate venture built with three mates — bigger in scope, broader in ambition, and built to do things I simply couldn’t do solo. Cooking at events, building products, creating experiences, and pushing UK BBQ forward in a different way.

What matters most to me is that the values stay the same.
Supporting the community. Sharing knowledge. Bringing people together over fire and food.

Smoke & Sear continues exactly as it is.

FOURGE is the next chapter alongside it.

I’m genuinely excited about what’s coming — and if you’ve ever backed what I’ve been building here, I’d love your support over at @fourge.bbq too.

Let’s see how far we can take this 🔥