It all started around 2011… We made a batch of what is now our signature Chipotle & Bourbon BBQ Sauce and Smokey Chipotle BBQ Rub as Christmas gifts for family. Everyone loved it, so after road testing it on more family and friends, in September 2013 we decided to make it official and launched The Smokey Carter. 

We have now been producing world inspired BBQ Rubs and Sauces on the UK barbecue scene for over 10 years. They’re perfect for adding flavour to virtually any meal, cooked both indoors and out. Our rubs and seasonings are ideal for barbecue but they’re just as good for adding into everyday meals, all year round. We use them ourselves just about everyday of the week.

It’s been an epic ride and we have produced over 30 different barbecue rubs and 20 different sauces over the years, taking inspiration from our travels around the world. The UK BBQ scene has changed massively over the past 10 years with al fresco dining and cooking outdoors becoming more and more popular. Outdoor kitchens and bars also became popular projects for many during Covid. 

Our products are available in numerous independent butchers, farm shops, garden centre’s, deli’s and BBQ retailers around the UK. Our products have also made appearances in Selfridges, House of Fraser and overseas in Germany, Sweden, ROI and Hungary.  

To mark our 10 year birthday we saw the return of our Texas Ranch BBQ Rub. Buffalo Ranch BBQ Rub was also launched which is fast becoming a favourite of our customers. Along with the two rubs launched we saw the return of our 2 Star Great Taste Award winning Thornbridge Brewery collaboration, Jaipur Pineapple & Mango Hot Sauce (returning for a limited time only). Adding into our birthday bundle we included our Summer 2023 collaboration hot sauce with Thornbridge Brewery, Jaipur Hot Sauce. This was produced to celebrate 18 years of their flagship Jaipur IPA.

Our rubs and sauces are produced by me (Howard Carter) and always will be. We produce 1000’s of sauces per year and around 3 tons of BBQ rub, all blended in batches of 12kg. Although we have dabbled with some larger retailers we have no aspirations to take our products to supermarkets. We look forward to working with more independent shops going forward. In 2017 I gave up my full time job to concentrate on the business full time. In 2020 my wife (Samantha Carter) joined me in running the business. To this day it’s still just the two of us. Smokey is a small, family run, artisan business. We love creating our products and love to bring inspiration into peoples kitchens.

We’ve got lots of barbecue recipes and plenty of ideas for cooking quick and easy meals indoors too.

We’re always on the lookout for independent butchers, farm shops and deli’s. Sign up to our wholesale trade portal for easy access ordering.