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Across the capital, there’s a whole roster of places to get stuck into authentic US style barbecue. But for a long time, Bodean’s was London’s first and only spot for meat lovers to get their proper grilled flesh fix.
It’s sad news, then, that Bodean’s appears to have closed all its London locations, with the Soho, Tower Hill and Camden locations all currently listed as temporarily shut on Google.
Right now, a message on the Bodean’s website reads: ‘We’re currently closed. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to thank you for your continued support and loyalty. We appreciate your understanding during this time and hope to welcome you again in the future. Thank you for dining with us.’
Bodean’s was founded in 2022 by Canadian restaurateur Andre Blais on Soho’s Poland Street. The restaurant's Kansas-style philosophy had a core philosophy of ‘barbecue, bourbon, and beer’. It’s barbecue classics, included slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork and enormous sharing platters.
At its peak, Bodean’s had eight restaurants across the Big Smoke. These included outposts in Covent Garden, Balham, Muswell Hill, Clapham and Fulham, alongside Soho, Tower Hill and Camden. Balham and Muswell Hill closed in 2021, Clapham in 2023 and Fulham in 2024.
Last year, Bodean’s underwent a brand revamp, including a return to its Kansas City barbecue roots. When Time Out’s food editor visited, she recommended ordering The Bodean’s BBQ Platter, which ‘[had] it all – pork ribs, beef ribs, pulled pork, brisket, smoked sausage, vinegar slaw, and pickles, all piled high on a slab of Texas Toast’.
The smokehouse was also known for its extensive beer collection, which included a roster of American beers, or a ‘Boilermaker; a half pint of PBR and shot of Four Roses bourdon’.
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