Barbecue-loving Brits are refusing to let the threat of Storm Dave dampen their spirts this Bank Holiday weekend as sales of outdoor grills have soared by 300%.
A weather warning has been issued by the Met Office in the north of England, North Wales, Northern Ireland and all of Scotland with gale force winds and even the chance of snow expected to batter Britain from 6pm on Easter Saturday until noon on the Sunday.
But despite “danger to life” warnings, butchers are reporting a surge in sales of burgers and retail chain The Range said sales of some of its gas barbecues have jumped by more than 300% in the past week.
A spokesman for The Range said: “Brits are proving they’ll BBQ whatever the weather this Bank Holiday, even if it means brolly in one hand, tongs in the other.
“We’ve seen a real surge in demand this past week for BBQs and outdoor cooking essentials with sales of some of our gas BBQs – guaranteed to fire up whatever the weather – up by over 300%, as shoppers get set for outdoor get-togethers, showing just how resilient the British BBQ spirit is.”
Gusts of 50 to 60mph are expected across the affected areas, and could reach 80 to 90mph in parts of Scotland. A yellow warning of snow has also been issued for north west Scotland, where some places could see 10-20cm.
The public has been told to prepare for possible road and bridge closures and rail cancellations. There is also a risk of power cuts, damage to buildings, and a small chance of injuries.
And bookmaker Coral was offering even money odds for snow to fall on any major UK city over the Easter weekend as temperatures plummeted.
But family-run Frank Eshelby butchers in Pudsey, Leeds, have seen a steady flow of customers buying burgers and other barbecue essentials.
Boss Matthew Eshelby said: “People want to do it come rain or shine. People are saying ‘we’re having a barbecue, we might have to put a jacket on or sit under a gazebo, but hey-ho, it’s better than what we’ve been doing for the past six months or so.
“People have been stuck inside, it’s been cold, miserable. They get to Easter and they say ‘right, we’re sitting outside’ now because we can.”
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