At Craft and Cleaver, we’re not just another barbecue joint; we’re sharing our passion for the awesome and crazy world of American barbecue. Our menu is inspired by the rich traditions of the craft from across the United States. We’ve taken our favourite styles and flavours from different regions and put our own spin on things in what we affectionately call a ‘bastardised barbecue joint.’ This eclectic mix reflects our passion for fusion flavours, all while tapping into our foodie background. Every dish we serve has its own flair while staying true to its barbecue roots.

Sourcing Quality Ingredients

Exceptional barbecue starts with exceptional ingredients. To ensure we’re getting the best cuts of meat, we work with three different butchers. We understand that if you compromise on the quality of your meat from the outset, it doesn’t matter how good a chef or pitmaster you are; you’re destined for failure.

We take great care in selecting our cuts, each one of our briskets chosen for the perfect amount of intramuscular fat for low and slow cooking. Our burgers feature aged beef brisket from Cotswold Longhorn cattle, renowned for its rich flavour and perfect fat content. And let’s not forget our baby back ribs; we carefully choose these to retain just the right amount of meat so that when you’re smoking them for 5-6 hours it doesn’t expose the bone. Nobody likes a shiner! Every detail matters to us when crafting the perfect barbecue dish, and it all starts with the meat!

Balancing Tradition with Creativity and Innovation

At Craft and Cleaver, we excel in balancing traditional flavours with modern techniques. To enhance our offer and constantly push things forward, we’re always experimenting with our rubs, s, spritzes, sauces and cooking methods, introducing depth and creativity into the mix.

For example, our brisket rub is elevated with fennel seed, mustard, and coriander seed. Our goal isn’t to reinvent the wheel but to create a memorable experience that stands out in an often-crowded barbecue scene.

Our Signature Dishes

When it comes to standout offerings, our burnt ends steal the show. Frequently referred to as ‘black gold’ in the barbecue game, these tender nuggets of slow-smoked beef are truly a labour of love. We start by trimming and rubbing our briskets, marinating them for 24 hours before smoking them over hickory wood for up to 14 hours. Then, we cube them up and cook them down in a barbecue broth, resulting in a dish that absolutely slaps every time.

Menu Evolution

We believe in keeping things fresh, so our menu changes twice a year to reflect seasonal ingredients and the latest trends. Additionally, we offer a monthly specials menu that allows us to flex our creative muscles, incorporating ideas from our team. This collaborative spirit ensures that every dining experience is exciting and unique.

We’re also proud to cater to various dietary preferences. We’ve crafted excellent vegetarian and vegan options, and we make it a point to be gluten-free friendly. By maintaining separate fryers for gluten and non-gluten foods, we ensure that everyone feels welcome here. Our detailed menu resource allows guests to filter dishes based on their dietary needs and allergies, making sure that everyone can enjoy their time with us.

An Unforgettable Experience

What do we want you to experience when you sit down to enjoy a meal at Craft and Cleaver? Our goal is to transport you straight to the States with every bite, showcasing the time and effort we invest in each dish. Barbecue is inherently difficult but beautiful, and we believe there should be no corners cut when looking to achieve this.

To guarantee the utmost quality and freshness of our ingredients, we serve our meat straight from the smoker. This commitment to quality means you’ll enjoy your meal at peak freshness. While we sometimes run out of popular items, our kitchen team and pitmasters take great care to plan ahead, ensuring that every dish we serve meets our high standards. You just can’t rush good barbecue.

Our Ethos

In every aspect of Craft and Cleaver, from sourcing ingredients to developing our menu, we remain committed to quality, authenticity, and innovation. Our restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s an embodiment of passion for American barbecue while fostering a strong sense of innovation and creativity. As we continue to evolve and refine our offerings, one thing is certain: we’re just getting started on this adventure, and we can’t wait to share it with you!