Mighty meaty Smokey Beast feasts moving from industrial park to Nottingham city centre
A takeaway with a difference has announced it will soon be on the move - relocating from an industrial park to Nottingham city centre. Things are hotting up for Smokey Beast, a specialist in big meaty feasts, which will be transferring its shipping container to the yard next to Hopkinson Vintage, Antique and Arts Centre in Station Street.
Customers will be able to order a takeaway or have a sit-down meal in the bar called Hops at the front of the shop. Chef Petra Jakus has been working from the car park at an industrial site behind Lidl in Sandiacre, where the meat is contained in two smokers outside.
But because she's out of sight with no passing trade, she believes she has been missing out on vital business. Petra said: "It's so exciting. I think it is the best solution for my business, it will thrive in the city.
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"It's my dream come true now. I always wanted to do something unique which would give me a good work life balance, as my partner is having a baby soon and I want to be there for bath times."
Smokey Beast will be operating as normal between now and Sunday September 15 but will close the day after ready for the big move. At the moment Petra works mostly by herself although, she is joined by her wife at weekends when it can be particularly busy, but at the new location she will be hiring a number of staff.
It will open at Hopkinson on October 1. In a social media post Petra told followers: "We're moving to an amazing location next to the city train station, right by Hopkinson Vintage, Antique and Arts Centre. We'll have our cool container kitchen in the yard, so you can come and enjoy a sit-down meal or order takeaway.
"We're going all out to make it an unforgettable experience. Get ready for an even better menu packed with love and joy. We hate to disappoint some of you with the change, but we're super excited to be more visible and serve you better with this exciting move. We couldn't have done this without the incredible support of our community, and we're so grateful for your continued love and encouragement."
Smokehouse-style slow-cooked barbecue pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, chicken, and sausages are on the menu, served individually with seasoned fries, homemade coleslaw, red onion pickles and a giant gherkin - or everything comes on platter for between one and ten people, starting at £26.99.
Petra is no stranger to smoked foods such as salami and ham in her native Hungary, but at her kitchen in Sandiacre the focus is on hot food. The smokers are located just outside the shipping container, which has been converted with appliances.
She said: "I love smoked food and I tried to find a business gap. I use my own rub and leave it for 24 hours. I use charcoal and hickory wood which give a really good flavour.