Next month, the American pit masters behind Prairie Fire are bringing their barbecue specialties to White City for the opening of their first bricks and mortar restaurant.
Launched in 2013 by Kansas City native Michael Gratz, Prairie Fire celebrates Kansas City-style smoked meats, sauces and fixings. Specialists in the ancient art of smoking with wood, Prairie Fire got its start trading at food markets and festivals throughout London, serving a wide range of meats including USDA smoked brisket, pork, chicken and samplers alongside burgers, sandwiches and more.
The anticipated restaurant is the first to open in TFL’s new Wood Lane railway arches development, which has been transformed into a diverse mix of commercial, leisure and retail space. Prairie Fire will take over two archways, one for the restaurant and the other for a taproom that will feature a rotating selection of London craft beers as well as monthly tap takeovers.
Bringing a unique experience to London, Prairie Fire will welcome guests with the aroma of authentic Kansas City BBQ. The meats are cooked the old school “low and slow” way, meaning low heat and long hours in the smoker. The menu will include the likes of 16-hour oak smoked brisket; 14-hour applewood smoked pork; burgers; and meat samplers with brisket, pulled pork, sausage and tangy slaw all served alongside Prairie Fire’s own Great Taste award-winning BBQ sauces. The team will also serve an array of vegan and veggie dishes. A curated cocktail and wine list will be available.
Designed by Block 1 Design, the 1,700 square foot restaurant and tap room takes inspiration from American diner culture combined with the heritage of London’s train stations. Exposed brick walls are offset by Midwestern metal accents and industrial lighting. The 75-cover space features a mixture of high and low seating with teak-stained wood tables and indigo leather banquettes and chairs. Alternately, customers can opt to sit at the bar on retro Americana diner stools. The taproom includes 16 taps with kegs on display and a 30-cover outdoor terrace will open during the warmer months.