Brits refuse to let unhealthy climate cease a BBQ – saying it is ‘a part of the enchantment’
More than a fifth of Brits will fire up the barbecue even in heavy rain or a gale, as a new survey uncovers the surprisingly low 14°C minimum temperature that kicks off UK BBQ season
Brits refuse to let bad weather stop them having a BBQ(Image: St Pierre)
Brits claim temperatures only need to hit 14C before they bring out the barbecue. A survey of 2,000 adults discovered that 21% are even prepared to get the grill going when the mercury sits in single digits.
The most committed 67% will soldier on regardless until they witness signs of a storm their gazebo simply couldn’t weather. Meanwhile, 45% would keep their tongs firmly clasped despite thunder rumbling overhead, and a remarkable third would battle through a full-blown storm – while average winds of 30mph wouldn’t put others off either.
A proud 50% have never abandoned a barbecue due to poor weather conditions, with 14% believing that cooking in unpredictable weather is all part of the appeal. A quarter would flat-out refuse to quit if the food was too good, while 31% wouldn’t want to disappoint their guests.
A spokesperson for bakery brand St Pierre, which commissioned the research, said: “Although we’ve had a bout of beautiful sunshine recently, it’s clear it would have to be raining cats and dogs for us to sacrifice our barbecues.
“It’s incredible to see just how much it takes before people finally call it. For many of us, drizzle is just background noise, and even a bit of a chill won’t stop the tongs coming out if friends are on their way.
“That ‘we’ll make it work’ spirit and instinct to gather around good food – whatever the forecast – is a big part of what makes summer feel like summer in Britain.”
According to data from OnePoll.com, 49% of those who’ve had to cancel a barbecue did so on the actual day. However, items such as a sturdy umbrella (19%), patio heater (28%), and gazebo (34%) could persuade people to carry on with their barbecue plans despite adverse weather conditions.
Almost half (48%) say that barbecue culture forms a significant part of their British summertime enjoyment, with 58% asserting that the smell of a barbecue signifies the first true sign of summer.
This summer, 50% are keen to experiment with new or unusual barbecue dishes or mix the classics with ‘something different’; 39% are eager to try new flavours, and 22% are planning the menu and preparing ingredients well in advance to enhance their garden gatherings.
The St Pierre spokesperson added: “There’s clearly no ‘official’ start date for BBQ season, but what is consistent is how strongly people associate BBQs with British summertime.
“That smell of grilling really does feel like the starter’s pistol for long evenings, relaxed weekends and bringing people together.
“And while Brits might be famously optimistic about the weather, many are planning the menu and prepping ingredients well ahead of time – showing that even the most simple summertime meal can be a little more memorable when you take the time to do it properly.”
