Cue Point, the Afghan smokehouse that spent a decade travelling across London as a pop-up, has officially been named the best halal restaurant in the capital. Time Out's updated guide to halal dining in London places the new Notting Hill eatery at number one, praising its unique fusion of Texan barbecue and Afghan flavours.
The restaurant recently found a permanent home in a large beer garden near Latimer Road station, after years of hosting sold-out events and collaborations in different corners of the city. Its menu is described as a 'brilliantly over-the-top' Texan feasting experience, with all meat certified halal.
A decade of pop-ups leads to a permanent smokehouse
Cue Point's journey began as a series of pop-up dinners, building a loyal following through word of mouth and social media. The team experimented with oak-smoking techniques, blending traditional Afghan spices with American barbecue traditions, before deciding to settle down in Notting Hill this summer.
The new location offers more than just a dining room. Guests can enjoy their meals in a spacious outdoor beer garden, a rare commodity in this part of west London. That setting, combined with the theatrical presentation of the food, has quickly made it one of the toughest reservations in town.
What to order at Cue Point
Time Out's food editor Leonie Cooper visited the restaurant and came away deeply impressed. She described the experience as 'so good it almost makes you want to laugh'. Among the standout dishes she recommends are the brisket burnt end skewers, which are smoky, tender and packed with flavour.
The trademark Texas naan is another signature item, fusing a classic flatbread with barbecue sensibilities. The oak-smoked lamb shank falls off the bone and is served with bold seasonings. For the main event, the Wagyu brisket steak is the show-stopper – a cut that has become synonymous with Cue Point's reputation.
'The best barbecue we've ever eaten on UK soil as soft to the point of melting off the plate and oozing down Latimer Road' – Leonie Cooper, Time Out food editor.
A changing landscape for halal dining in London
Not long ago, halal restaurant options in London were largely limited to curry houses and fried chicken takeaways. That has changed dramatically. Today, the city is home to halal-certified sushi spots, Filipino fusion concepts, smashburger joints and even Michelin-starred venues. Cue Point now sits at the top of that diverse scene.
Time Out's full guide includes dozens of restaurants across the capital, all verified as halal through certification, verbal confirmation or the restaurant's own online FAQs. The list spans cuisines from Middle Eastern classics to modern European and South Asian cooking, but Cue Point's combination of Afghan heritage and Texan smokehouse techniques set it apart in this year's ranking.
The restaurant's success also reflects a broader appreciation for Afghan cuisine, which has been gaining visibility in London's competitive food market. By pairing familiar barbecue elements with unique spice blends, Cue Point is introducing new audiences to flavours they might not otherwise encounter.
More than just a halal hotspot
Beyond its halal credentials, Cue Point is being celebrated as the best barbecue restaurant in the city right now. That dual distinction places it in an elite category, appealing to both Muslim diners looking for guaranteed halal options and barbecue enthusiasts chasing the perfect smoke ring.
The Wagyu brisket steak, in particular, has drawn comparisons to the finest American barbecue joints, but with a distinct London identity. The oak smoking process adds depth, while the Afghan seasoning gives it a unique edge that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Those planning a visit should come hungry. The feasting menu is designed for sharing, and the portions are generous. With the beer garden opening onto the street near Latimer Road, the atmosphere is lively and informal, matching the unpretentious nature of the food.
How to visit Cue Point
Cue Point is located in Notting Hill, close to Latimer Road station and easily accessible from central London. The restaurant operates in the summer months with outdoor seating, and given its rapid rise in popularity, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
For those who miss the pop-up era, the permanent site offers the same creative energy but with the stability of a fixed address. It also allows the team to experiment further, with plans to expand the menu and introduce new smoking techniques in the coming months.
Time Out's guide to the best halal restaurants in London is continuously updated, and Cue Point currently holds the number one spot. It is a fitting achievement for a restaurant that has spent ten years earning its stripes, and a sign that London's halal dining scene is only getting stronger.
