The Smokin' Elk BBQ School - Waterlooville

Ed G.

I'd been following Elky on various social media platforms for quite a while and my partner bought me a voucher for one of his bbq classes. He runs lots of different types of classes, from Kamado basics to American and Thai themed bbq and throughout the year will have other well known bbq experts running combined classes.
I went to the kamado basics class on Friday 4 July 2025 and was very impressed with the whole day. Although I only live about 40 minutes away I decided to stay at the Premier Inn about a mile and a half up the road as free unlimited drink is available all day - and there is a huge choice!
As people arrived for the day, we all started to get to know each other over a freshly made bacon and egg roll. Elky has a great, laid back attitude and made everyone feel welcome - he says to treat the day as if you're round your mate's house for a bbq.
We went through all the different parts of the Kamado Joe (he is a brand ambassador but gives honest opinions about everything) and how best to set charcoal and wood chunks up and.control temps through the cooks.
We ate very well... Started with a mountain of chicken wings in different sauces and then made a load of jerk chicken and pineapple wraps. This was followed by 4 giant tomahawk steaks with chimichurri, potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes, asparagus and some fresk cajun salmon fillets cooked on cedar planks.
Throughout the day Auntie Tracy was working away in the background, prepping all the food and keeping the drinks fridges topped up. Elky is exceptionally lucky to have Auntie Tracy there and I think she secretly runs the place!
I met a great bunch of people from all over the place, learnt a lot, had some amazing food and quite a few beers... All whilst feeling like I was round a mate's house for a bbq!
Thanks Elky and Auntie Tracy, I will definitely be back for more days out and haven't stopped telling everyone about it since.

Tracey E.

We had an amazing day, at the smokin Elk, the Thai masterclass was phenomenal, Elkie was a fantastic listener, teacher and BBQ king.. we learnt so much, drank loads of cheeky beverages whilst consuming our body weight in the most amazing food this side of Thailand. we now want to go on the Austin Trip, have a kitchen and party space like Elkies and are looking for the next date for the next bbq party fun.. if you’re thinking about booking, don’t think, just book you definitely won’t be disappointed, we had the best day ever 🎉🎉

Terry M.

Well, if you think you know how to BBQ then think again! This was undoubtedly one of the most fantastic and informative things I’ve ever seen and done, Elky is a natural communicator and shows and explains all the best procedures and elements needed to raise your BBQ game not just one level but right up! It was a fantastic experience, very informative, very sociable and the food was absolutely amazing! I would highly recommend this place to anyone and if you DO book it you will most certainly not regret it at all

Phil S.

We went to the American BBQ master class on the 21/08/25 it was brilliant. Elky and not forgetting Auntie Tracey really made us welcome. The hole day was very friendly and informative couldn’t speak more highly and definitely recommend anyone going in the future. 👍🍻😎

Abbii B.

What a day! Took my Dad for his 72nd Birthday present and we both absolutely loved it! The set up is incredible, the food 10/10, the knowledge Elky has really is outstanding! Such a great laugh! BBQ & beers in the sunshine what more could you ask for?!

Will be recommending to everyone and will definitely be back for another class soon!

Graham V.

Spent a fantastic day at the smoking Elk with a great group of people. Learnt a great deal about BBQ process. Food was amazing, drinks were flowing, music perfect. Elky was a very knowledgeable, helpful and funny host and Tracy kept things ticking over behind the scenes. I would highly recommend for anyone wishing to expand their BBQ skills.

Nicholas R.

Absolutely great day at Smokin Elk. Very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Very informative and Elky is very knowledgeable whether you are an experienced smoker or novice like myself looking to get started. Nothing is too much effort for them and selection of food and drinks made for a truly great experience. Overall 10/10 and would highly recommend. Will definitely be returning for the Thai day.

Mark M.

Booked the American BBQ course for me and my son as a present. We had a fantastic day and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone. Not only did we have some amazing food but learnt so much and can’t wait to put it into practice at home. Elky was the perfect host and really knows his stuff. Very informative and able to answer any questions.