BBQ joint’s second bid to open in city

BRISTOL barbecue joint Grillstock could finally be on its way to Cardiff.

The West Country favourite made a previous attempt to launch in the capital in 2015 – at the former Pure Sport site on St Mary Street – but, despite being granted a licence by the council, the plans never came to anything.

But now the popular smokehouse at last looks ready to add South Wales to its list of branches, which also includes London, Leicester, Bath and Liverpool.

A licence application notice has been spotted in the window of a vacant unit next to Gareth Bale’s new sports bar Elevens Bar & Grill on Castle Street.

Born as a series of outdoor events set up by friends Ben Merrington and Jon Finch 10 years ago, during which everyone from backyard cooks to professional chefs would to go head-to-head cooking barbecue food, Grillstock went on to find a permanent home in Bristol’s trendy Clifton area.

Now it regularly stages fully-fledged festivals featuring bands like The Darkness and Goldie Lookin’ Chain, with this year’s taking place in Bristol Harbour on July 1 and 2.

It also sets gut-busting eating challenges in which contestants are given an hour to eat portions of pulled pork, brisket, a full rack of ribs and chicken plus burnt ends, mac ‘n’ cheese, hot dog, barbecue beans, chilli and cornbread. Winners get a bottle of sauce and a T-shirt.

Already a popular draw at street food pop-ups like The Depot, Grillstock’s menu features chicken, ribs and wings, all pit-smoked over hickory wood on site every day. Pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs and burgers are also on the menu.