From Music to Texas BBQ: My Journey to Opening a First Restaurant

When Man Hon Luk embarked on a poker trip to Austin in 2021, he could hardly have anticipated that it would culminate in the opening of his very own restaurant. Following a serendipitous encounter and a series of pop-up events, he is now poised to unveil Hon’s BBQ in one of East London’s most vibrant culinary hubs. The 44-year-old pitmaster will be serving up Asian-inspired Texas barbecue from a converted warehouse above Hackney Wick’s Crate Brewery starting Friday, July 17. This venture represents a significant milestone for Hon, whose unexpected culinary journey began with a single smoker purchased on eBay.

“I had no formal training and prior to this, I had really only cooked for friends and family,” he shared. “I have dabbled in various fields, from selling vinyl and playing poker to photography, but something about this just clicked with me.” Hon previously owned Vinyl Pimp, a second-hand record shop, for nearly two decades, but found himself increasingly disenchanted with the industry. A single dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant Interstellar was the catalyst for his transformation.

Learning from the Best in the Business

In 2022, on a whim, Hon relocated to the USA for two months to learn the secrets of ‘low and slow’ cooking from renowned chef John Bates. He subsequently garnered a loyal following across London through a series of events and a two-year residency at All My Friends. “It has definitely been a journey of trial and error,” Hon chuckled, “but I genuinely believe this will be one of the finest barbecue establishments in the capital. Diners can anticipate incredibly juicy meat served within an energetic and aesthetically pleasing environment.”

Hon’s BBQ will offer a unique blend of smoked meats and live-fire cooking, complemented by a carefully curated wine and cocktail list from Brat’s sommelier. Additionally, the establishment will feature DJs and live performances during weekends, creating a lively atmosphere. The sharing menu is rooted in traditional barbecue techniques, enhanced with Asian flavours that reflect Hon’s Hong Kong heritage. Dishes on offer will include Xi’an-style lamb shoulder, Taiwanese pork belly, and smoked mac and cheese with Chinese sausage. Hon’s Sichuan beef short ribs, a personal favourite, will also make an appearance. He enthused, “They’re tender with a perfect balance of spiciness and the distinctive numbing sensation of Sichuan pepper. It’s the ultimate barbecue dish that everyone should experience.”

Crowdfunding Success and Community Support

The realisation of this canal-side restaurant was made possible through a successful Kickstarter campaign, which saw support from Hon’s dedicated pop-up clientele. Together with his team, including former Singburi chef Norine Chu, Hon raised £36,000 to fund kitchen infrastructure and professional sound equipment. “People have placed a tremendous amount of faith in us by contributing, and I am truly grateful for that,” he expressed.

Despite the inherent risks associated with launching a new restaurant during a challenging period for the hospitality sector, the Hackney resident remains undeterred. Hon firmly believes that there is still a demand for dining out, provided the experience offers value for money. “Everyone may have less to spend, but the need to eat remains,” he remarked. “As long as I can uphold our quality and deliver something delicious, I hope patrons will continue to choose us. The restaurants that are thriving are those at the top of their game—consistent, innovative, and offering good value. I am confident we can achieve this.”

Opening Details for Hon’s BBQ

Hon’s BBQ will officially open its doors at Queen’s Yard, E9 5EN, on Friday, July 17. Reservations can be made through their website. To keep abreast of London’s most exciting events, latest restaurant openings, and best deals, consider subscribing to the Going Out Out newsletter.