The only indicator that we had arrived on this wisteria laced residential street was the inviting murmur from beyond and a humble chalk board sign propped up against a brick wall which had written on it ‘BBQ Club’ and an arrow pointing onwards. Not far from Clapham Old Town we walk around the side of a house into the garden which stages Jimmy’s BBQ Club.
A few steps from the street, is the private garden for the evening – a rural haven along with its own beehives and vegetable patch, this immediately escorted us away from London into the setting of an idyllic British country garden. Quaintly set within the centre, aside the vegetable patch, was a selection of tables, set with two mini Green Egg BBQs on each. This was the ultimate early summer al fresco experience.
Leading the way, and the name behind the BBQ Club, is TV chef Jimmy Garcia. After a popular summer last year, Jimmy has once again opened up his Green Eggs for business in this hideaway haven in south west London. Taking our seats on tables of around seven to eight people on each, this evening was just as much about getting to know your dining neighbours and sharing the experience as the interactive menu itself
With our Green Egg grill timers for each course, we were instructed of a grill time every stage of the way. Listed in rounds up to four, we started with round one (no such thing as a veggie BBQ). This was hay smoked goats curd salad, mint oil, pomegranate topped with pea shoots, with the charred peaches glazed finished on our Green Eggs.
Round two, or should I say (sing for your tuna) – a combination of BBQ corn puree, samphire, soft boiled 1/2 duck egg, lemon vinaigrette with lemon potatoes; this alongside our grilled tuna steak.
Round three or ‘meats, marinades and grill for the thrill,’ introduced steaks with beef tail fillets, red pepper and honey emulsion, raw kimchi salad with mint and coriander, wild rice, marinated in cola and soy. This moved onto mini chicken wings, both placed on the BBQ and served with a selection of marinades, which we commenced to brush on ourselves, with corn on the cob and herb butter.
For dessert the eggs were opened up (acting also as a method of warmth from the dropping night time temperatures) and with toasted marshmallows we crafted smores. This finished the evening with a comforting nostalgia and a golden glow from the catalyst of our personal grills. For drinks is an honesty bar flowing with a large selection. Whilst the boys enjoyed a selection of British ales I sipped on something slightly fizzier. This honesty concept is made even more flexible with their bring your own policy option, an extremely popular trend.
This pop up isn’t an ordinary dining experience and one I believe is totally unique to the area. Jimmy’s BBQ club is warm and friendly, with a team who are passionate about sharing organic, homemade cooking in a relaxed, al fresco setting. Jimmy’s enthusiasm and knowledge shines whilst he and his team cater to every diner and most importantly their Green Egg.
From May 18th – end of August 2016 every Wednesday – Friday come rain or shine, Jimmy’s table top BBQ’s will be out and under cover; in an aim to create a perfect summer’s evening. Jimmy and his band have a crazy summer lined up, catering backstage at Glastonbury, at over 30 weddings and with events in Cannes, Ibiza and even Jura. Jimmy’s BBQ Club offers an intimate experience for an evening with a dollop load of homemade, culinary creativity and flare, all for £38 per head.
Jimmys BBQ Club: jimmyspopup.com, for bookings of 8 or more bookings@jimmyspopup.com, (address revealed on the evening).
