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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Eat Up, Shrewsbury

This post may come as a bit of a shock to you all as there isn't a mascara or cleanser in sight! Today's post centres around one of my favourite things to do in my sparetime - dine out!

One example of Eat Up's fun decor - the bike on the wall.

Photographic evidence of how well my outfit suited the decor (haha).

This week I've had some long overdue days off and one of my afternoons was spent window shopping and enjoying a late lunch with my boyfriend at a lovely restaurant in Shrewsbury called Eat Up.

He'd had lunch there not so long ago and really enjoyed it, so based on his high praise, this place had to be good surely? And was it? Why, of course.

The first thing that struck me about the venue was the fun and super cool decor. The restaurant is filled with big tables and benches, as well as other stand out features to add to the fun and relaxed atmosphere - such as a bike on the wall and the 'naughty table', which is packed with calorie-laden goodies.

Speaking of calorie-laden goodies, I shall get onto the important bit... the food.

After we ordered and were served our drinks (I went for the Cloudy Lemonade, Michael went for a Beer, of course), I ordered the 'Most Amazing Steak Sandwich' (that's what it said on the menu), and it was actually the most amazing steak sandwich I've ever had! It was gorgeous! It was served alongside some salad leaves, on toasted bread, with red onions and unlike many steak sandwiches I've devoured in the past, the steak wasn't tough at all. Michael opted for the Sweet Potato Falafel, Halloumi Crostini with Chantaray Carrots, Tzatziki, Houmous and Salad stuffed Pitta, which he'd had before and once again really enjoyed. We also had a side of Wedges to share with sour cream and a sweet chilli dip. The wedges were BEAUTIFUL - I only wish we'd have had a bigger portion but that's just me being greedy!

The 'Most Amazing Steak Sandwich' and the Wedges.

 The Sweet Potato Falafel, Halloumi Crostini with Chantaray Carrots, Tzatziki, Houmous and Salad stuffed Pitta.

Despite both being more than satisfied with our lunch, both having a real sweet tooth, we couldn't resist a visit to the 'naughty table' - it took me quite a bit of 'umm-ing and arr'ing' but in the end I went for a generous slice of Carrot Cake, while Michael opted for a slab of Rocky Road. The Rocky Road was superb!

The desserts, back, the Carrot Cake, front, Rocky Road.

Other points I must comment on are the friendly and welcoming service and the price, all this came to around £30, which I think is reasonable for both our lunches, desserts, drinks and coffee.

Delicious food, served in a fun and friendly atmosphere - what more could you ask for really? I will definitely be returning here!

To check out Eat Up's menu, visit: www.eatupshrewsbury.co.uk

The Cloudy Lemonade looked too pretty not to take a snap of!

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