Meet the Producers -
Hawkins BBQ

For any newcomers, who are you and what do you do?

We are Hawkins Barbecue, the Island's only authentic American BBQ popping up in Foraging Vintners and the Cozy Nook, Port Erin, for the 2023 summer season. Providing mouth-watering, smoked produce like our Brisket, Pulled Pork and even vegetarian Jackfruit, we aim to leave customers with full bellies and fond memories. 

When did you establish your business?

Created during the summer of 2022, with tired heads of the corporate work life and needing creative freedom, we explored the vast world of barbecue. 

What inspired you to begin?

We took inspiration from the big hitters of American Barbecue - Franklin's, Snow's, Truth and Spitfire to name a few, and began our culinary journey as a smoked meat provider. We made the decision of starting as a B2B supplier to increase brand reputation amongst our customers as well as to forge strong relationships within the industry.

How has your business grown since then?

Since then, we have run our first ever kitchen, catered for corporate and private events alike and ultimately adding to the culinary offering in Port Erin. Approaching the end of the season in September we are now shifting our focus to corporate and private catering.

Where are you based and what does that community mean to you?

Our home is in Port Erin and the incredible community is everything to us. From the moment we moved into our new home, we were determined to add to the already culturally rich landscape in the South of the Island. One of the ways we achieved this was to create a music experience, utilizing the breathtaking views overlooking the bay and Bradda Head - Sunset Sessions was born. Giving local DJ's a platform to perform on the purpose built stage, we attracted all ages to come down and have a good time this summer!  

What does the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival mean to you?

The festival is the celebration of everything local in the space so to be invited is a huge honour and a testament to how far we've come within just a year. Local collaborations is what drives us - to work together and provide customers with the best possible experience. We aim to use local produce and make everything in house wherever we can, from our rainbow slaw to our tangy & sweet mustard and of course our locally sourced meats from Radcliffes butchers.

Which other local producer(s) are you most looking forward to seeing this year?

We're looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and what else is new in the space, maybe even a future collaboration!

What’s on the horizon for your business?

After wrapping up the summer season we hope to increase our product offering, maybe even shifting into a new realm.

What is your signature dish/product?

Our 18hr smoked Brisket is definitely the star of the show - our chef, Matt, has even garnered the affectionate nickname, ‘The Brisket Man’, which we think is quite fitting!