Buddy’s Smokehouse & Bar-B-Q Joint

Buddy’s Smokehouse is a carnivore’s dream. You can expect a fantastic range of meat dishes, many cooked in front of you on an open barbecue, with delicious sides, all served in a funky, welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere.  It operates on a walk-ins only basis, so you may have a little wait – the perfect opportunity to grab a drink in the bar next door.

Buddy’s is a small and intimate smokehouse, with a modern industrial feel. Masterchef semi-finalist Luke Rhodes is the head chef and he runs the place with his long-term friend Michael Thompson who owns the venue. Menu options include Texas-style Brisket, Burnt Ends, Fried Chicken, St Louis Ribs, Pulled Pork ‘n’ Slaw, to name a few.

We visited for a friend’s birthday and ordered a range of dishes including the 12oz Double Cheeseburger, the Chicago Chilli Cheese Dog, the Smoked Jackfruit Burger and the ultimate Pitmasters Tray, it didn’t take long to arrive and each of us were suitably impressed with our choices. The Pitmasters Tray was a delectable combination and would definitely have been enough as a sharing platter for two; it comprises seven smoked meat items served with rosemary fries, slaw, cornbread and sauce.

Recommended by Steph Walsh, Derbyshire correspondent

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