London's Country Cooking & BBQ: Wood-Fired Barbecue in Camden

What London's Country Cooking & BBQ serves

London's Country Cooking & BBQ is a wood-fired barbecue restaurant in Camden, South Carolina, in Kershaw County. The restaurant specializes in traditional slow-smoked meats—pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken—cooked over wood fire. Sides include collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and beans prepared in the style of Lowcountry and upstate South Carolina cooking.

The restaurant operates as a casual dining spot where you order at a counter and eat in a dining room or on an outdoor patio. The menu changes based on what is smoked that day, so availability of specific meats can vary. Pricing is moderate for barbecue—comparable to other wood-fired barbecue restaurants across the state.

Key Takeaways

• London's Country Cooking & BBQ is located in Camden and serves wood-fired barbecue with traditional Lowcountry sides.
• The restaurant operates on a counter-service model where you order and pay before eating.
• Meats are smoked daily over wood fire, so what is available depends on the day's cook.
• The outdoor patio offers a casual setting typical of South Carolina barbecue restaurants.

Location and hours in Camden

London's Country Cooking & BBQ is located in Camden, a historic town in Kershaw County about 30 miles northeast of Columbia. Camden sits along US Route 1 and is known for its Revolutionary War history, equestrian events, and downtown district with antique shops and local restaurants.

Hours and exact address information change seasonally and by day of the week. Before visiting, contact the restaurant directly or check their social media pages for current hours, as many barbecue restaurants in South Carolina adjust operations based on the season and meat availability.

What to order and what to expect

The barbecue at London's Country Cooking & BBQ is cooked low and slow over wood fire, which gives the meat a smoke ring and tender texture. Pulled pork is often the most consistent item, since pork shoulder is easier to smoke in volume than brisket. Ribs and chicken are available when smoked that day. Brisket, when offered, tends to sell out quickly at most wood-fired restaurants in South Carolina.

Sides reflect traditional South Carolina cooking: collard greens cooked with pork, creamed corn, mac and cheese made with real cheese, and beans. Cornbread and hushpuppies are common bread options. Sweet tea is standard. The restaurant does not typically offer a full bar, though some South Carolina barbecue restaurants have beer or wine—check ahead if that matters to your visit.

Portions are generous. A single meat plate usually includes two sides and bread. If you are dining with others, ordering one or two plates to share is common practice at casual barbecue restaurants.

When to visit and what the patio is like

Barbecue restaurants in South Carolina are busiest at lunch on weekdays and all day Saturday. London's Country Cooking & BBQ likely follows this pattern. Arriving before noon or after 1:30 p.m. on a weekday usually means shorter waits. Saturday lunch can have a 20- to 30-minute wait, especially in warm months when the patio is full.

The outdoor patio is typical of casual South Carolina barbecue spots: picnic tables or simple seating, sometimes with umbrellas or a covered area. Weather matters—the patio is pleasant in spring and fall, hot in summer, and closed or less comfortable in winter. The indoor dining room is air-conditioned and open year-round.

Parking and accessibility

Camden's downtown and surrounding areas have street parking and small parking lots. London's Country Cooking & BBQ should have parking nearby, though availability depends on the time of day and day of the week.

Call ahead if you have questions about accessible parking or entrance. The restaurant staff can tell you what to expect when you arrive and whether the building has step-free entry or other accommodations you may need.

How London's fits into Camden dining

Camden has a small but active restaurant scene. London's Country Cooking & BBQ fills the wood-fired barbecue niche, which is popular across South Carolina but not every town has a dedicated spot. Other dining options in Camden range from casual to upscale, so barbecue here is one choice among several for a meal.

If you are visiting Camden for its historic sites—like the Camden Historic District, Boykin Mill, or equestrian events—London's Country Cooking & BBQ is a reasonable lunch or dinner stop. The restaurant is casual enough for families and groups, and the food is hearty enough to fuel a day of walking or sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

Most casual barbecue restaurants in South Carolina operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and London's Country Cooking & BBQ likely does too. During busy times like Saturday lunch, you may wait 20 to 30 minutes. Call ahead to ask if they take reservations or if a particular meat is smoked that day.

What if a meat I want is sold out?

Wood-fired barbecue restaurants cook a set amount each day, so popular items like brisket or ribs can sell out by mid-afternoon. Pulled pork is usually available longer. If you want a specific meat, arrive early or call to ask what is being smoked and how much is left.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Most casual barbecue restaurants in South Carolina do not allow outside alcohol, but policies vary. Some allow outside non-alcoholic drinks. Call the restaurant to ask about their specific policy before bringing anything from outside.

Is the restaurant family-friendly?

Yes. Casual barbecue restaurants in South Carolina are designed for families and groups. Children's portions are often available, though not always listed on the menu—ask when you order.

What is the best time to visit if I want to avoid crowds?

Weekday mornings or mid-afternoon (after 2 p.m.) are quieter than lunch rush or Saturday. Avoid peak lunch hours (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) if you prefer a shorter wait and more relaxed patio seating.