about us

Travel and world cuisine is our passion; our mission is to bring those international flavours enjoyed across the globe, direct to your table at home.

about THE smokey carter

The Smokey Carter is husband & wife team Howard & Samantha Carter.
They met back in 2005 when they both worked onboard cruise ships. Their travels around the ports of Central America, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, formed the inspiration behind the range of barbeque rubs and sauces that you see today.

Officially launched in 2013, after making a batch of BBQ sauce for family members the previous Christmas, proving to be an instant hit, The Smokey Carter was born.

Who we are

Their love of international food, travel and sunshine, along with Howard’s passion for outdoor cooking, forms the very backbone of The Smokey Carter. These days the couple are based in sunny Cheshire, but they regularly take any opportunity to visit their favourite corners of the globe, in particular; Mexico, Portugal, Greece and Asia to source inspiration for future ideas.
All Smokey’s BBQ rubs & sauces are still handmade in small batches, ensuring the best quality every time.
BBQ rubs should be a staple in every kitchen, adding flavour to meals, quickly and easily. Not just for barbeque season, rubs can be used for indoor cooking too. Rubs are ideal for meals cooked in the slow cooker, air fryer, wok, pan fry or oven. Not just for meat & fish, rubs can be used to flavour veggies, curries, pasta, soup and rice dishes. The choice is yours.

Husband and wife team, Howard and Samantha Carter
World Inspired Barbecue Rubs & Sauces
Award-Winning Artisan Products
Small Batch Producer
Independent Family Run Business
Produced in Cheshire, UK

awards

The Smokey Carter has won some prestigious awards for their products including;

16 Great Taste Awards
3 National Chilli Awards
Theo Paphitis’s ‘Small Business Sunday’ Award, July 2016‘The Expert Award’ at the eBay for Business Awards, 2018
One of the ‘SmallBiz100’ for Small Business Saturday, December 2020
Federation of Small Business (FSB) – Self Employed/Sole trader of the Year 2022, North West

As well as the following recognition;

Shortlisted for North West’s GBEA Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year 2019
Shortlisted for ‘Gift of The Year 2020’ with 3 of their Gift tubes, including; ‘Around The World’, ‘American Road Trip’ and ‘Gin Botanicals’.
Shortlisted for North West Finals for the FSB Small Business Awards- Self Employed/Sole Trader of the Year, 2020

They have also had a recipe published in ‘The Manchester Cookbook Second Helpings’, which celebrates the North West food scene, including recipes from Masterchef champion, Simon Wood.

award winners

The Smokey Carter has made it their passion to create the best quality products. They have won some prestigious awards over the years for their BBQ rubs/seasonings and sauces at the critically acclaimed Great Taste Awards held by the Guild of Fine Food. They’re also proud to add a number of wins at the National Chili Awards too.

Korean Sweet Chilli Sauce

honey, soy & chilli bbq rub — Honey, Soy & Chilli BBQ Rub

salt & pepper chinese bbq rub — Salt & Pepper Chinese BBQ Rub

jaipur pineapple & mango hot sauce — Jaipur Pineapple & Mango Hot Sauce

greek gyros bbq rub — Greek Gyros BBQ Rub

mexican jalapeno & lime bbq rub — Mexican Jalapeno & Lime BBQ Rub

brazilian churrasco bbq rub — Brazilian Churrasco BBQ Rub

jamaican jerk bbq rub — Jamaican Jerk BBQ Rub

spiced mango & lime bbq rub — Spiced Mango & Lime BBQ Rub

chipotle & bourbon bbq sauce — Chipotle & Bourbon BBQ Sauce

smokey chipotle bbq rub — Smokey Chipotle BBQ Rub

scotch bonnet hot sauce — Scotch Bonnet Hot Sauce

Other awards

FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2022 Winner

The Smokey Carter was selected as the winner of Self Employed/Sole trader of the Year 2022 in the North West. The FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards recognise and celebrate the huge contribution that smaller businesses and the self-employed make to the UK. Team Smokey had fun at the award ceremony which took place at the prestigious Midland Hotel in Manchester on 11th March 2022.

2020 Small Business Saturday #SmallBiz
100

The Smokey Carter is proud to have been selected from thousands of businesses to be one of the #SmallBiz100. Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 19 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   J Kemp 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you bbq these sauces and rubs are a must for you but saying that the sauces are the best around sod all the other brands. I will order the rum at some stage 😋 and thank you for being.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bradley Rees 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Easy to order, delivered quickly  & great products
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   manlikethomo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely brilliant products and speedy despatch.  Thanks for my dinosaur picture.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jay Taylor 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Love this stuff. Always packs a great taste
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alan Hesketh 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Recently tried the Gyros Greek rub and the levels of flavour are mind blowing!
Immediately after cooking my chicken gyros dish, I ordered another tub!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   lyle pequenino 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Koke 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Love these rubs and great and quick service! I ordered the coffee ancho rub and it has an amazing earthiness and a little bit of kick - really nice blend of coffee and spices. The only rub listing coffee as the main ingredient! Lovely on eggs or smashed avocado as well! Very versatile!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rod Carter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lots of interesting foodie ideas on their website. Great products to have in your kitchen.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mark Quigg (Markie_q_bbq) 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Love The Smokey Carter. They're my go to shop for all rubs, cures and sauces now. Constantly innovating and bringing out new flavours.

From the Taste of America to the Curry Night in boxes, to their Pineapple Express Hot Sauce. All taste amazing, with great quality ingredients.

Customer service is always top notch and a pleasure to deal with.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Russell Erskine 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic range of brilliant flavours!

As a keen outdoor cook I love to use these on so many of our meals.

Delivery always really speedy and great customer interaction with Howard and Sam

Keep up the good work