After years of pop-ups and residencies, the cult east London barbecue joint formerly known as Uncle Hon's has finally secured a permanent home in Hackney Wick. Grillmaster Hon, who has been serving slow-cooked meats since 2022, now operates from a spacious white-walled space that was once home to the sustainable restaurant Silo. The move was funded by a crowdfunding campaign backed by the restaurant's most devoted fans, according to Time Out's review.
A Stylish Industrial Setting
The restaurant, located on the first floor of Unit 7 in The White Building on Queen's Yard, embraces its gritty east London surroundings. Polished concrete floors, vaulted ceilings with exposed insulation, and ceramic light fixtures create a chic industrial aesthetic. A sleek red counter wraps around an open kitchen where chefs grill over ferocious flames. Moody techno plays through a high-spec soundsystem, and the waitstaff look like they stepped out of a streetwear campaign.
Meat by Weight, Texas Style
Hon's cooks meat the Texan way—low and slow—then layers it with Chinese-inspired flavors. Diners order their carnivorous feast by weight, with 300 grams per person recommended. The reviewer shared a meal comprising 100 grams of ox cheek, 100 grams of lamb breast, 100 grams of pork belly, and 300 grams of beef short rib.
Starters and Sides
Duck pancakes kicked off the meal, though the portion could be more generous—by the fifth pancake, the spring onion and cucumber had run out. A spiced tomato and melon salad offered a refreshing counterpoint.
The Main Event: Smoked Meats
The Taiwanese pork belly was a standout, described as "ultra soft and melty" with a sauce balancing sweet, salty, and sour. Beef ribs came piled with crispy garlic, chargrilled chillies, and a numbing Szechuan peppercorn sauce. Cumin-laden lamb was paired with tangy pickled cucumber, while ox cheek—cooked for eight hours—fell apart instantly with five spice and pickled onions. Grilled green beans and sticky rice with beef drippings and scallion oil rounded out the meal.
Dessert and Drinks
The mango coconut pudding had a gelatinous consistency that didn't appeal to the reviewer, though panna cotta fans might enjoy it. The drinks list, curated by Brat sommelier Oliver Dibben, is compact but well-chosen.
Verdict
Time Out awarded Hon's BBQ 4 out of 5 stars, praising it as "cool but not intimidating" and in a fun part of town. The meat dishes that built its loyal fanbase are "definitely worth the hype." Meats are available until they sell out, so early ordering is advised.
