Craft and Cleaver was born from a deep love for cooking over fire, inspired by the eclectic dive bars and buzzing restaurant scene of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Our adventure kicked off with an epic road trip through America’s barbecue meccas – Kansas, Missouri, Texas, and the Deep South. Along the way, we savoured some of the best barbecue on the planet, from melt-in-your-mouth Texas brisket to fall-off-the-bone Kansas City ribs and tender Carolina pulled pork. We knew this was an experience we had to bring back to the UK.

The spark that started it all? A wild night in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by passionate pitmasters, tequila shots, and craft beer. The details of that night might be a little blurry, but one thing was crystal clear – we had to bring authentic American barbecue back to Hertfordshire. And so, Craft and Cleaver was born.

From Vision to Reality: The Birth of Craft and Cleaver

We found our perfect spot in a small, rundown pub on a quiet street in St. Albans. The back room had a tree growing in it, the walls were covered in vintage ’60s orange floral wallpaper (straight out of an Austin Powers movie), and the cellar? Oddly full of scuba equipment. But we saw the potential was there.

For three months, we threw everything we had into transforming the place. We ripped out the wallpaper, restored the space, and put our own spin on things. With a mix of rustic textures—wood, brick, and metal—plus neon signs and an industrial touch, we quickly realised we were building more than just a pub. This was going to be a full-on restaurant and bar, serving up top-tier barbecue.

Opening week was a crash course in running a barbecue joint. Our kitchen was too small, we didn’t have enough fridge space for all our fresh ingredients, and our smoker was far too small for the amount of meat we needed to cook. But we adapted. We doubled down, hired a bigger team, added a second smoker, and fine-tuned everything to deliver the best barbecue experience possible.

What Makes Craft and Cleaver Different?

Craft and Cleaver is all about authentic American barbecue, combined with incredible craft beer and cocktails, and amped up with global influences and on-trend twists. At our core, we’re an independent, family-owned restaurant, and we stand for three things: barbecue, cocktails, and craft beer. We pride ourselves on our personal, neighbourhood vibe, offering something truly special you won’t find anywhere else.

We smoke our meats 24/7 on-site using hickory wood in massive American smokers imported straight from Oklahoma. The result? A delicate, unrivalled smoke flavour that’s all about low and slow cooking. And it’s all about that perfect smoke ring – the hallmark of true American barbecue.

When we started out, American barbecue was still relatively new in the UK, and there was a clear gap in the market for a venue offering authentic BBQ, paired with craft beer and cocktails. So, we went all in, opening our doors in St. Albans, on a side street where people had to seek us out. But we knew we had something special. We weren’t just about food – we wanted to create an experience. Southern-style hospitality. Dive bar vibes. An industrial setting. And that unmistakable smell of meats smoking away over hickory wood.

The Name Behind the Flame

Choosing the right name wasn’t easy. Our first idea? Let’s just say, we’re glad we moved on quickly. But when ‘Craft and Cleaver’ hit us, it felt like it had always been there. It perfectly captured what we do: carefully crafted food and drinks, paired with the tradition of the butcher’s cleaver. It’s stuck ever since, a symbol of everything we stand for.

A Big Adventure: American Royal Barbecue 2017

In 2017, we took our passion for barbecue to the next level by competing in the world’s biggest barbecue competition, the American Royal World Series in Kansas. We were the only UK team out of 600, and it was one heck of an adventure. We competed across all categories, and our pulled pork finished in an impressive 17th place. Not bad for our first time! You can read all about our American Royal experience on the blog.

What’s Next for Craft and Cleaver?

When we first opened, the goal was simple: serve amazing barbecue, craft beer, and cocktails in a relaxed, welcoming setting. But as we’ve grown, so has our vision. What started as a barbecue joint quickly blossomed into a full-on restaurant and bar, and we’re still evolving. We currently span two venues in St. Albans and Hitchin, but hope to open a third within the next 18 months.

We’re constantly refining our menu, experimenting with new dishes, and honing the Craft and Cleaver experience. We never stand still, and we like to think we’ve created a place where unforgettable food, great drinks, good music, and a fun atmosphere come together. We hope you like it as much as we do.

In this business, every day is a hustle – and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Whether we’re testing out new recipes, tweaking the cocktail menu, collaborating with the team for fresh inspiration, or chatting with guests at the bar, we’re always finding new ways to grow. One thing’s for sure – we’re just getting started, and there’s plenty more to come!