Bodean's BBQ - London, UK

Bodean's BBQ - London, UK
25 Catherine St.
London, WC2B 5JS

While in London recently I decided to try a little American BBQ from the other side of the pond.  Bodean's is London's original BBQ smokehouse.  Started by Andre Blais back in 2002, his goal was to bring the taste, style and soul of his beloved Kansas City BBQ to London.



To start, they offer a good option of southern favorites.  Memphis Style Pork Nachos, Chili Con Queso, Chili Con Carne, Guacamole, Buffalo Chicken Wings, BBQ Spare Rib Starter and more.

For the main items, Pulled Pork, SOHO Special, Boston Butt, KC Brisket Special, Tri-Tip Smoked Beef, Burgers, Hot Dogs and more.

I had the BBQ Burnt Ends and Baby Back Rib Combo that came with fries and cole slaw.

While both the burnt ends and the baby back ribs had a nice taste to them, it's a bit of a stretch to say that they had true BBQ flavor and smoke.  I would have to classify this as roasted meat with a nod toward BBQ like spices.  I didn't get that smokiness that I expect out of true American BBQ.  That and the fact that there wasn't much in the way of rub/flavor/sauce encrusted on the meat. 

There were options for sauce,  the Smoked Hickory, Hot Chipotle and Vinegar based were available at every table.  I found their sauces sufficient but banal in their tastes.  There wasn't much that stood out here.  Just BBQ sauce versions of table ketchup.  

I've always wondered how one should treat food from a different culture when moving that culture's food into a different country.  Do you stay true to the flavors from the original culture, ensuring the greatest difference from what the locals expect, or do you adjust it based upon the country in which it is served to give the locals something closer to what they expect?  Now I'm not British and it's quite possible that the locals find this to be exactly what they want. If so, then that's great for Andre.  Bodean's does have several locations and that would indicate a certain level of popularity and success. While I don't think there is a right or wrong answer to this philosophical question, I do have my preference in this case.  And that would be that American BBQ taste like American BBQ and stays true to it's roots.  I always knew that I was in a restaurant in London while eating this substitute for American BBQ and would have preferred to be transported back home on a magic carpet ride of smokey goodness.