Thanksgiving
On Thursday 27th November, we’re throwing open the doors in St. Albans for one of our favourite nights of the year. A full-blown feast, plenty of turkey, and the kind of atmosphere that feels like your mate’s dinner party – if they happened to own a smoker the size of a small car. Because at […]
The Secret to Getting Perfect Bark on Brisket
That crunchy, smoky crust – here’s how we get it. It’s the thing people remember. That deep, dark, flavour-packed crust on the outside of the brisket – smoky, peppery, a little chewy, a little crunchy. That’s the bark. And if you know BBQ, you know: no bark, no bragging rights. But good bark doesn’t happen […]
Summer’s Here – and We’re Firing on All Cylinders
The sun’s out, the smokers are fired up, and we’re serving summer the only way we know how – low, slow and full of that unmistakable BBQ flavour. Whether you’re entertaining the kids, planning a day out, or just chasing that delightful smoky aroma down the street, there’s a lot going on right now at […]
Why Is My BBQ Meat Tough, Dry, or Chewy?
There’s nothing worse than putting in hours over the grill or smoker, only to end up with meat that’s tough as a Doc Marten, dry as the Sahara, or resembles a meaty chewing gum. So, what’s going wrong? Whether you’re new to BBQ, or a seasoned pitmaster having an off day, understanding the most common […]
What Cuts of Meat Are Best for BBQ?
Why Tough Cuts Are the Unsung Heroes of Low-and-Slow When people picture BBQ, they usually think of juicy ribs, fall-apart brisket, or a mountain of smoky pulled pork. But here’s a secret: the magic of great barbecue doesn’t start with fancy cuts. It starts with the tough stuff. That’s right – the cuts most butchers […]
Choosing the Right Wood for Smoking: The Impact of Hickory and Others on Taste
When it comes to barbecuing, there’s a lot of talk about meat, rubs, marinades, smokers, grills, thermometers… you get the idea. But one thing that often is left until the last minute – usually when someone panics and grabs the nearest bag from a garden centre – is the wood. Big mistake. Huge. The type […]
Low and Slow Explained: The Science Behind Slow-Cooked Meats
If you’ve spent any time lurking around the BBQ scene – or just eavesdropping at a summer garden soiree – you’ve probably heard someone drop the sacred phrase: “low and slow.” Said with reverence. Maybe even a dramatic pause. It’s the cornerstone of proper barbecue. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, why […]
Craft & Cleaver Beer Gardens: Your New Spring and Summer Go-To!
The best beer gardens in Hitchin and St. Albans When the sun comes out, there’s no better place to be than in a beer garden with a cold drink in hand and a plate piled high with BBQ. Lucky for you, both Craft & Cleaver venues – St Albans and Hitchin – boast their own […]
Is There a Difference Between Barbecuing, Grilling, and Smoking?
There absolutely is! You’d think people would agree on what’s what when it comes to cooking meat over fire. But no – welcome to the great barbecue debate. Barbecuing, grilling, and smoking are often thrown around like they’re the same thing, but trust us, they’re not. If you’ve ever had a heated argument with a […]
How Do You Keep BBQ Meat from Drying Out?
There’s a real art to it, but it pays back in dividends… There’s nothing worse than spending hours tending to your BBQ, only to bite into a piece of meat drier than the Sahara. You had dreams of juicy, smoky perfection, but instead, you’re gnawing on something that resembles a Doc Marten. So, how do […]