UKBBQMAG John Gower talks with Brad McDonald about Food, BBQ and Shotgun.
Brad McDonald has been pretty busy lately. Having left his Mississipi beginnings to come through kitchens such as Per Se and Noma then done his own thing with projects such as Governor in Brooklyn he landed in London, taking on the task of bringing out the potential of The Lockhart in Marylebone to opening Shotgun in Soho’s Kingly Street which has impressed everyone from Jay
Rayner to Tatler winning their ‘Best Newcomer’ award.
Having enjoyed a relaxed afternoon there with Laurence Mate on his most recent trip this side of he pond, and a quick tour of the Kitchens to meet the team I had a chat with Brad.
Hi Brad, thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me for UKBBBQ magazine, in what sunds like a pretty hectic schedule.
It’s my pleasure. We want to reach as many bbq enthusiasts as possible.
I've recently enjoyed a fantastic meal at Shotgun and also previously had the pleasure that is dining
at the Lockhart, and what immediately stands out is an approach to southern cuisine and BBQ that is perhaps a little different to that which is generally on offer in the UK.
How would you describe this approach and is it something that you’ve deliberately sought to set apart from the, let’s face it, ‘Man vs Food’ trends that are regrettably prevalent here when it comes to U.S. inspired menus?
Everything we did during the concept and design phase was to intentionally draw a line between kitsch Americana and authenticity. From the design side, I love neon, old license plates, and beer signs, but none of those details make
the bbq taste good. They only play up to the stereotypical idea of what it’s like in the South. Ironically, you don’t find too many formal BBQ restaurants like Shotgun in the South, but I was very careful not to tie into the sister-loving, redneck stigma of Southerners.
Brad McDonald-Shotgun
38