Smokehouse-themed fare is big business in London at the moment. Following the opening of Middle Eastern and North African inspired Berber & Q in Haggerston earlier this year, Rök Smokehouse is putting its own Scandi spin on the concept and bringing it to the streets of Shoreditch. Head chef Matt Young (previously Barnyard and Aveqla) has made Nordic-style smoked meats the main focus of the menu. Supplied by Islington-based charcuterie, Cobble Lane Cured, they are pre-smoked there, before being finished off on Rök’s impressive charcoal fuelled BBQ, which forms the centrepiece of the restaurant. Also on the menu is an impressive range of pickles and ferments, developed from family recipes passed down through generations, which decorate the reclaimed pine parquet bar area. Punters can expect a seasonal selection of salads and vegetarian offerings (dill pickle and wild mushrooms are big Scandi favourites) and a small but carefully procured wine list, with a basement cocktail bar also set to open in the coming months.
