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.

Today at 10:28am (Tuesday 22nd April 2025) I witnessed the best @typhoondisplayteam of the year — 100% the best I’ve seen!

Squadron Leader Nathan Shawyer absolutely smashed it over @rafconingsby 

There I was . . . iPhone in one hand, Wren (the dog) strapped to my waist, being swarmed by flies (note to self: change aftershave), trying to capture the magic.

Worth every buzz and bite — turn your sound up and enjoy this beauty!

P.S. Don’t worry, the dog you can hear barking in the video occasionally wasn’t Wren . . . 

Others had come out to watch the display with their lovely dogs too — one clearly less keen on the noise from the jets haha.
When the kids ask for smashburgers . . . who am I to argue?
And being kids, they like ’em just so. No greenery in sight – ha!

Toasted @stpierreuk brioche buns, a slather of @angusandoink Comeback sauce, double smash patties with properly melted cheese, topped off with our own bacon jam – made fresh, same way every single time. A proper house favourite. Bit of crispy onions on top and that’s it. Simple. Smashy. And they all leave with full bellies and big smiles – that’s what it’s all about.

All cooked on the mighty @blackstoneproducts griddle, and yep . . . even air-fried the chips while making the jam and burgers. We don’t mess about.

#smashburger #blackstonegriddle #familyfavourite #bbqfamily #baconjam #doublecheese #blackstonecooking #ukbbq #stpierreuk
First cook on the new Blackstone – had to break it in with a kid-friendly Full English!

Went with the classics: sausages, hash browns, bacon, beans, fried eggs, griddled tomatoes, fried bread and of course… potato waffles (because kids).

Set the Blackstone up with different zones for each bit – sausages and waffles in the hotter section, eggs and bread on the low zone. Used the integrated air fryer basket for the hash browns and the warm drawer came in clutch for holding bits while the rest cooked.

Cooking on the Blackstone is FAST.

You’ve got to juggle it all a bit, but it’s mad satisfying once you get into the rhythm. This wasn’t a fancy cook – just a proper hearty breakfast to get used to the griddle.

The kids? They rated it 10,000,000 out of 10, which either means I’m a breakfast legend or they need a maths lesson.

Either way, I’ll take it.

Plenty more cooks coming – this was just the start.

#BlackstoneGriddleUK #FullEnglishOnTheGriddle #BBQBreakfast #BlackstoneCooking #FamilyBBQVibes
🍍🔥 Pineapple Express Pulled Pork — with shatter-crisp crackling so savage, you’ll hear it from three streets over.

Massive love to @villagebutchers for sending me this absolute unit of a pork leg (9kg of bone-in, rind-on beauty). Injected it with pineapple rum, spun it low ‘n slow on the rotisserie, then crowned it with crispy shards of crackling like some kind of BBQ king 👑

Cooked this beast on the @everdurebyhestonblumenthal Hub 2 — first time I’ve fired it up in ages. Truth be told, I was sent it back in May 2023 to review . . . but with the house move, life chaos and all that jazz, it’s been sat in the garage gathering dust. Good job I kept hold of it — it’s the only kit I own that could handle the sheer size and weight of this bad boy.

Wanna try it yourself? Full step-by-step recipe is live now:

👉 https://www.smokeandsear.world/BBQ-recipes/pineapple-express-pulled-pork-with-shatter-crisp-crackling/

#SmokeAndSear #PineappleExpressPulledPork #CracklingKings #RotisserieLife #BBQUK #EverdureHub2 #PulledPorkPerfection #OutdoorCooking #PineappleBBQ #BBQCrackling #BBQMad #MeatMatters #VillageButchers #BackyardBBQ #LowAndSlow #BBQGoals #BBQRecipe