Eat & Drink
Originally published on Thursday, 15th August 2013
SMOKEY TAILS
Smoking meats pop-up
The Container Yard, 119 Wallis Road, E9 5LN | @SmokeyTails
Location
Hipster hideaway, canal-side in Hackney Wick.
Vibe
It's casual, fun and outdoors. Think summertime air mixed with an "easy Sunday" feel - smokey barbeque staples, good tunes and frozen cocktails abound. The bar and tables buzz with a constant hipster footfall via the main entrance and boats (less St Tropez, more hipster jitney). Brought to you by DJ Seth Troxler, Ryan Crosson (Visionquest), Jo Vidler of Secret Garden Party and Wilderness and – finally – Ben Pound from Paradise Ibiza and Circo Loco – expect nothing short of a stellar party-eating-and-drinking hybrid.
Flavours
Good, simple Southern smoked classics – we had American style baked beans, mac ‘n' cheese, chicken wings – buffalo or BBQ (our favourite were the former, bursting with spice) BBQ ribs and pulled pork burgers. Everything is smothered in a smokey sauce, in a good way. It's no fine dining but rather a hearty, finger-lickin' experience, and yes, you will be hands deep. The salads are fresh, inventive and light – chili, aubergine and coriander marinated with tahini and yogurt was the main star but the fresh tabbouleh and tomato salads were good supporting sides. Now for the drinks – fresh and boozy! Frozen watermelon slushies, pear and strawberry puree mixes, mojitos, zingy lemon and elderflower blends are just some of the concoctions on offer.
Décor
It's outdoor barbeque basics – a makeshift wooden area, long tables, a pebble-covered canal bank and a DJ deck (of course).
Upshot
It's not around forever (it closes in October – boo!) so get there before the hot weather ends.
