Diva Q Fires Up Polhill: An Unforgettable BBQ Masterclass

If you love BBQ, chances are you already know the name Diva Q. If you don’t, then let us fill you in, because last week Polhill Garden Centre had the absolute honour of hosting one of the biggest names in barbecue right here in our own restaurant garden.

The event was part of the Traeger Shop Class UK Tour, and we were one of only a handful of stops. A limited number of guests got the rare chance to watch, learn, and feast as Diva Q herself put on a BBQ masterclass that none of us will forget.

Who Is Diva Q?

Diva Q, also known as Danielle Bennett, is nothing short of barbecue royalty. She has won hundreds of BBQ awards across North America, hosted the hit TV show BBQ Crawl, and has spent years teaching people around the world how to master the art of live fire cooking. She is known for her big flavours, big personality, and her passion for sharing BBQ knowledge.

When you bring someone like Diva Q to Kent, you know you are in for a serious treat. And that’s exactly what happened.

An Evening of Smoke, Fire and Flavour

Once the garden centre closed, the Polhill restaurant garden was transformed into a BBQ paradise. Guests arrived to a warm summer evening, the smell of wood smoke drifting through the air, and tables set for an intimate evening of food and fun.

On the menu was a line-up that could have come straight from a BBQ dream. Diva Q cooked:

• Beef short ribs with Traeger BBQ rub
• Spatchcocked chicken grilled to perfection
• Reverse seared garlic steak
• Vodka brined smoked salmon
• And to finish, a smoky Traeger apple pie

The food was incredible, but what really made the evening special was watching Diva Q in action. She shared tips, tricks, and stories, cracking jokes while showing guests exactly how she gets that legendary flavour. People were scribbling down notes between mouthfuls, trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible.

A True Masterclass

It wasn’t just about sitting back and eating (although there was plenty of that). Guests got the chance to ask questions, handle ingredients and see the techniques up close. Diva Q explained the science behind reverse searing, why brining matters, and how to build layers of flavour that make good barbecue great.

For many in the crowd, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You don’t often get the chance to be taught by someone who has cooked on some of the biggest stages in the BBQ world.

The Atmosphere

The evening had a relaxed, almost festival feel. With the sun setting over the restaurant garden and the sound of laughter mixing with the crackle of wood pellets, it felt like the start of summer all over again. Strangers bonded over smoky ribs, old friends raised a toast to apple pie, and everyone left with a full stomach and a grin.

A Word from Polhill

Our very own Luke Novell, Outdoor Living Manager, summed it up best:

“Having Diva Q at Polhill was a dream come true. She’s a legend in the BBQ world and to have her cooking right here in our restaurant garden was an absolute honour. The knowledge she shared and the food she cooked were second to none. It was an incredible evening for everyone who came along.”

Why Events Like This Matter

For us at Polhill, hosting an event like this is about more than just food. It’s about community, learning, and giving people an experience they won’t find anywhere else. BBQ has always been about bringing people together, and this evening captured that spirit perfectly.

We are proud to be one of the UK’s largest stockists of Traeger grills and accessories, and events like this are our way of showing what they can really do. Seeing a pitmaster like Diva Q work her magic proves that with the right tools, anyone can up their BBQ game.

Looking Back

If you were lucky enough to snag a ticket, we hope the memories still make your mouth water. If you missed it, don’t worry. There are more BBQ events and demos coming to Polhill, each one designed to inspire and excite. Diva Q set the bar high, but we’re already planning the next big thing.