Smoke Stop - An American style smokehouse in Shropshire

So last week my mum decided to book us all a table at Shropshire's newest (and first I believe?) smokehouse Smoke Stop, as we hadn't gone out for some food together as a family for a while and with us all being fans of a good smokehouse, we thought we'd give it a try.

Newly opened this month, Smoke Stop appears to be Shropshire's way of getting its BBQ ribs and pulled pork fix.

Smoke Stop - formerly English country pub Ye Olde Cross Gates Inn, is in Ford, a village just outside of Shrewsbury.

Prior to our meal last Thursday evening, we'd heard lots of social media chatter about this long-awaited smokehouse and we were all excited to see whether Smoke Stop's excellent sounding menu could materialise into mouth-watering Man v. Food style epic goodness.

From burgers and brisket to ribs and root beer, this place has a menu you can't help but read in Adam Richman from Man v. Food's voice because everything sounds larger than life and calorific, which is what you expect from a smokehouse.

To kick off proceedings, like any good American style smokehouse we were served a small helping of popcorn to see us through to our mains.

Popcorn.

I ordered the Notorious P.I.G (great name) - a quarter pounder beef burger, topped with their smoked BBQ pulled pork, streaky smoked bacon and Monterey jack cheese. All of their beef burgers are served with lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles, in a brioche bun, with skin-on fries and their deep south 'slaw. Now I'm not gonna hold back here... this was the best burger I've ever ordered at a restaurant. It was incredible, the smoked BBQ pulled pork and streaky bacon was a mouth-watering delight, oozing with smoky flavour. Now as incredible as the burger was, the real part of any smokehouse meal that matters to me is the 'slaw. I expect nothing less than a creamy, tasty 'slaw and did I get that at Smoke Stop? OH YES. It was superb. The fries were also tasty. All in all, this was the mightiest meal I've had in some time, so mighty I couldn't finish it all but trust me, me being unable to finish the meal was no reflection on it whatsoever.

The Notorious P.I.G.

My brother also ordered the same as me, except he opted for sweet potato fries, which were really delicious.

My mum went for the Snoop Doggy Dog (definite rap theme going on here) - a hotdog consisting of their home smoked pork sausages, topped with beef chilli, melted cheese, crunched up nachos, jalapeños and sour cream. The hotdog was also served with skin-on fries and 'slaw. Mum really enjoyed her meal but was slightly disappointed as the hotdog was missing the chilli and cheese, which was the main reason she chose the meal.

The Snoop Doggy Dog.

Finally, dad went for the Smokin' Joe King's Special - which comprised two beef patties, American cheese, smoked bacon, jalapeños, pickles and topped with beer battered onion rings, also served with the skin-on fries and 'slaw. Now I thought my meal was mighty, this was something else, this was the Godzilla of burgers! Dad really enjoyed his meal, and I've got to say the onion rings were excellent!

The Smokin' Joe King's Special.

Overall the verdict is a good one, I would recommend Smoke Stop to anyone. From families to couples, to groups of friends. This place has a fun yet relaxed atmosphere, with a friendly, accommodating group of staff. The portion sizes are also very good for a decent price.

A word of caution however for the couples out there - if you're at the early stage of your relationship I'd suggest giving your order some consideration - this is messy business! Although, it could prove an ice-breaker so maybe risk it if you're feeling brave!

Another plus I must mention - I was unfortunately the designated driver for the evening but mum ordered a fabulous looking and tasting mojito!

One fine looking mojito!

My only gripes were the lack of chilli and cheese with mum's meal and as we went to order desserts, we were told the kitchen was all out. Now the dessert menu looks utterly excellent, so of course we were disappointed but the staff apologised profusely and in fairness, we were ordering after 9pm, so that's our fault for being latecomers!

All in all, based on our experience last week, Shropshire's newest smokehouse deserves all the buzz it's getting, I suggest you book you, your friends, your family, and anyone you love for that matter a table here! I will certainly be making a return!

To check out the website and their menu, click here.

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