Carl Ashworth, a Gloucester native, launched Hot Box after his father’s death, focusing on smoked meats and comfort food to honor his father’s memory.
At 16, he began an apprenticeship at Mad Hatters, a small organic restaurant. There, he learned to make food from scratch, including bread and butchery.
Carl later opened his own bakery, BoysBakery, in Quedgeley. It thrived initially, winning awards for its ciabatta. Unfortunately, the pandemic forced him to close.
Afterward, he opened Hot Box at Krate Village in Whitminster. He started with pop-up nights selling smoked meat boxes. His father had built him a smoker years ago, which he finally decided to use.
Carl felt inspired to honor his father’s memory after his passing. He wanted to learn smoking meats and make it his new venture. Hot Box has been open for nearly two years now.
The menu features smoked pulled pork, sausages, and weekly specials. Popular items include deep-fried mac ‘n’ cheese balls and smoked pork belly burnt ends. Chicken burgers were added later and became a hit.
Looking ahead, Carl hopes to expand his business. He dreams of bringing on a partner and possibly reopening a bakery in the future.
