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The Humble Journey of Wood x Coal: From Pop-Ups to Passionate Plates

  • Writer: Matthew Gayler
    Matthew Gayler
  • Oct 14, 2023
  • 2 min read

Hey there, foodie family


Today, we're taking a step back, gr,abbing a metaphorical microphone, and sharing a story that's close to our heart: The evolution of Wood x Coal. This is a tale of two friends, a shared passion for food, and a commitment to keeping things real, authentic, and of course, humble.



The Humble Beginning


The spark that ignited the Wood x Coal flame began with two mates, Matt and Dan. Bonding over a mutual love for fantastic food and drink, the duo started with hosting pop-ups across Brighton and Hove. Their mantra? Let's serve amazing dishes without any unnecessary frills or ego. Thus, Humble Plates was born (we promise its not just because we are big Kendrick fans






From Pop-Ups to Residencies


Back in 2017, the thrill began with our first pop-up. The enthusiasm and love from our patrons led to a summer residency at Bison Beer North Road in 2018. Before we could even blink, London beckoned, and by the end of that very year, our second site was up and sizzling!


2019 brought us to Sealanes' doorstep, where we swapped sophisticated kitchens for a tent and some pop-up BBQs. But hey, what's more quintessential than a BBQ at the beach, right? It was here, amidst the sands of Sealanes, that Wood x Coal took its first breath.





Adapting & Evolving


As 2020 dawned, we decided to cozy up closer to home, focusing our energies on Brighton and Hove. Despite the challenges that year brought (looking at you, COVID), our partnership with Sealanes blossomed, giving Wood x Coal a more permanent heartbeat. This was a year of growth, transformation, and of course, the creation of our signature flank steak and chips!


The Crew Behind the Grill


Dan Cotton, our co-founder, is the culinary maestro steering our ship. We've had the privilege of hosting a fantastic team throughout our journey, with Nick, Marvin, and Curtis being the pillars holding up the Wood x Coal ethos. Their combined talent, dedication, and shared vision have been instrumental in our growth and innovation.



Sealanes: A Partnership Forged in Values


Our tryst with Sealanes began courtesy of Bison Beer and blossomed into a relationship rooted in shared values. Both teams prioritize people, planet, and of course, a plateful of scrumptious food.


Fire, Pizza, and Burgers: A Culinary Trilogy


Our love for fire-cooked food symbolizes memories, shared laughter, and the sheer joy of gathering around a BBQ. But why stop there? Our burger journey, which began in 2018, has grown into a recipe we wear as a badge of honour. And then, there's our pizza – a perfect fusion of Neapolitan tradition and the boldness of NYC, crafted meticulously over six months.





Our Signature and What’s Ahead


Our classic flank steak and chips remains an unbeatable favorite. But with culinary wizards like Nick and Dan at the helm, there's always something new and tantalizing around the corner.

What's next for Wood x Coal? We're constantly seeking to evolve, always on the lookout for great sites and even greater experiences. So, don't be surprised if another Wood x Coal springs up in your neighborhood. Plus, for those eager to delve deeper into our culinary world, stay tuned for masterclasses and maybe a new concept or two!


Here’s to many more years of sizzling stories, shared plates, and staying beautifully humble.




 
 
 

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