Walking through Canterbury, you can feel the layers of history pressing in from every direction, from the cathedral spires, crooked timber frames, and even in the hush of old streets that have seen centuries of footsteps. And then, just a few minutes from the historic walled part of the city, you hit something entirely different: Saint Smokey’s BBQ House. It's the perfect comfort food place, bursting with modern energy.
It’s the kind of place that reminds you that travel stories aren’t only found in ancient stones. Sometimes they’re found in the places where people gather together over food that’s loud, messy, and made to be shared. In meeting with family, young and old. In gathering with friends. In putting down the phone and taking it all in.
A Break from the Expected
Canterbury is full of charming cafés and traditional pubs, both inside and outside the city walls. And casual, fast food dining from McDonalds to pizza to subs are equally plentiful throughout the city. But Saint Smokey’s is a shift in tone. The vibe is lived‑in, local, and unapologetically itself. The moment you step inside, the smell of smoked chicken wraps around you. Music hums under the chatter. It’s casual, energetic, and refreshingly unpolished.
This is where you go when you want to step out of the postcard version of Canterbury for a laid-back atmosphere that is both modern and industrial, relaxing and casual.
The Food That Makes the Story
Saint Smokey’s doesn’t do subtle. The portions are huge, the seasonings range from sweet to hot, and it’s all good.
During our visit, we enjoyed the:
- Chicken Wings — the perfect share‑plate if you’re traveling with kids or friends. Or makes a perfect meal for one.
- Chicken Wraps — my personal favorite. Flavorful chicken wrapped in a tortilla with lettuce and sauce for dipping (I chose the sweet).
- Chicken Sandwich — Chicken with lettace served on a fresh bun. My youngest didn't use her bbq sauce, but my oldest used both on your sandwich and dipped her chips (fries) in it.
What meal new restaurant experience would be complete without dessert. We had:
- Apple Crumble with ice cream - delicious but not quite as warm as we're used to.
- Kinder Brownie with Kinder Cream - Rich, thick, and to die for.
Most plates fall between £7-16, making it a solid stop for families, students, and travelers watching their budget.
How it Plays in Our Journey
Smokey’s is not a destination restaurant in the way that others might be. It generally flies neatly under the most popular tourist restaurants in the city. Being located near a WaitRose Grocery Store, it's on the busy St. George's Place Road while still feeling somewhat tucked away. But that’s what makes it a treasure. This is a restaurant that allows you to capture the moment with family, friends, or even relax in the pages of your favorite book. It's a place you can stumble into after exploring the cathedral or after wandering the narrow lanes of the city center. A place where you sit down, breathe out, and let the day settle while the smoke and spice do their work.
It’s the kind of stop that becomes part of the memory of the trip—not because it’s fancy, but because it’s real.
If You Go ... And You Absolutely Should
Saint Smokey’s BBQ House
5–6 St George’s Place Canterbury CT1 1UL,
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1227 769027
Travel isn’t only about the places that make the guidebooks. It’s about the unexpected corners—the ones that surprise you, feed you, and remind you that every city has a heartbeat beyond its history. Saint Smokey’s is one of those corners in Canterbury. If you’re wandering the city and craving something warm, smoky, and full of character, this is where the story takes you next.
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If you are planning on the perfect bookish trip to Canterbury, check out how to expand your story by staying in at Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat: A Quiet Base Just Outside the City.
At the start of your bookish travel planning? Read my full guide here.
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