Ah, the English BBQ. In the UK there’s probably only one rule when it comes to having a BBQ. Don’t plan it. The British weather is famously well-known for being absolutely and undeniably unpredictable. So, if you plan with your family and friends to have a BBQ on the upcoming bank holiday, there’s no guarantee that the rain won’t spoil your day. With that being said though, summer 2018 has been a dry and warm one so far – so it’s about time we get the plastic plates in!
From disposable BBQ’s to the full on 6-part expandable, 4-burner outdoor kitchens, you haven’t really experienced British summer time if you’ve not had a slightly burnt burger off a BBQ. And no matter how much you move your chair around, the smoke from the coal will still blow into your face.
It’s not burnt… it’s flavour
The BBQ is one of the oldest ways to cook and eat food. With “cavemen” discovering fire and hunting livestock, there would’ve been meat cooking above the heat of the fire dating back to as early as 1492! The barbecue taste is one everyone enjoys. Now, we see restaurants dedicating their whole menu to the cooking method with sticky BBQ ribs, chicken, pork and more…
There’s much more to a successful barbecue than just chucking on frozen burgers and sausages five minutes after it’s lit. A rushed BBQ is a recipe for disaster and disappointment. Planning is called for. The barbecue needs to be lit well ahead of time. Remember: it’s not ready until the smoke has cleared and white ash appears on the glowing charcoal.
If, this bank holiday, you are hosting a BBQ, prepare the food beforehand, so that the meat is already marinated which keeps the meat succulent – and so you can just relax and let others do the cooking! For extra flavour, you can rub cuts of meat and fish with ground spices or fresh herbs.
National BBQ Week
Returning for the 22nd time, National BBQ Week is running from the 28th May until 3rd June. It’s a great time for you to get out, buy some new appliances and test your outdoor culinary skills. There are also some really great BBQ pop-ups around the country which you can go to and have someone else master the meat.
When going to a BBQ, nearly everyone has the same idea “ah, I’ll just pick up some spare buns from the shop” and before even half of the guests have arrived you already have a lifetime supply of bread buns – But not to worry! National BBQ Week is for a whole 7 days, so even if you don’t use them the first day, you have an excuse to have a BBQ every day until they’re gone for 6 more days.
Relax… it’s just heat & meat
many people allow the stress of organization get to them when hosting a BBQ – but there’s something very important to remember. It’s not meant to be prim and proper like we see on American TV, that’s what makes it great. The whole BBQ experience is meant to be messy and a little, well, unorganized.
Take it all in, crack open a can of beer or pop open a bottle of fizz and have a laugh!
Vegan BBQ options
Yes, we went there. As the popularity of veganism and vegetarianism is growing by the day, it’s time to talk about options for meat-free BBQing! If this appeals to you or a few of your guests, make sure to leave space free on the griddle so no meat juices accidentally go on to your veggies.
If you think about it, meat isn’t the most essential part of having a BBQ. On your skewers, you have many options of fruit and veg to put a wooden stick through and char grill, like pineapple, onions, pepper, tomatoes and more. There’s also the tasty corn on the cob which you can grill and enjoy with vegan butter for added flavour.
Get your meat here
Oh, one more thing. When buying your meat in prep for the Bank Holiday BBQ, why not buy your poultry, beef and pork at local butchers! You’re always guaranteed the best quality and brilliant customer service…
Here we’ve lined up a few from Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire!
Archer W & Son
99 Queens Road
Leicester
Leicestershire
LE2 1TT
Archer W & Son is a friendly butcher shop in the centre of Leicester. Dealing with quality meats they have lots of different products to meet your taste.
Soleys
118 Melton Rd
Leicester
Leicestershire
LE4 5ED
Soleys Halal Meat Centre is a friendly family run business in Leicester with a small team of dedicated butchers and chefs.
Wood Michael F
51 Hartopp Rd
Leicester
Leicestershire
LE2 1WG
A traditional family butchers selling free range meats and dairy products, free range eggs, free range chickens and specialising in home made sausages, burgers and home cured bacon. They also spell some specialist meats.
C Brumpton Butchers
73 Melton Rd
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
NG2 6EW
A traditional family butchers with local stores in Cotgrave and West Bridgford in Nottingham. As with every business, the quality of produce can make or break a reputation. In the case of Brumpton Butchers, the consistent high quality of our meat, baked goods and accompaniments has established their reputation for excellence and quality.
Barlows Butchers Ltd
195 Main St
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
NG16 2DL
Barlow Butchers has a solid reputation for quality meat products and good customer service, not only in Nottingham but the wider area.
G.KEMP & SON
431 Beechdale Rd
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
NG8 3LF
G.Kemp & Son is a family run butchers that have been serving the people of Nottingham since 1978.
Their business is built on a foundation of an excellent butchery team who together have over 160 years combined knowledge of the butchery industry. They also pride themselves on using a range of traditional butchery methods along with supplying only the highest quality local meats.
Jack Wood Butchers
30 Wellington St
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
NG16 3BB
Firmly established in Eastwood, Nottingham, Jack Woods Butchers is ran by husband and wife, Ian and Lorraine Wood. They have built up a fabulous reputation and have recently had a strong online presence.
Coates Butchers
183 Bramcote Ln
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
NG8 2QJ
A traditional butchers that were first established in 1867 and taken over by the Coates family in 1900. The business is now huge with shops located around the UK and the East Midlands. The shop provides both a traditional and continental approach to how meats are prepared and displayed.
A Wright Butchers
136 Hucknall Rd
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
NG5 1AD
What was originally a small family butchers founded in 1870. It has now been passed down through five generations and has grown to become a mainstay in Nottingham.
JT Beedham & Sons
556 Mansfield Rd
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
NG5 2FS
JT Beedham & Sons Purveyors of the finest English meat since 1884. Johnny Pusztai and his staff are proud to continue the traditions of quality and service, passed through the generations of the Beedham family of Master Butchers.
“A modern butcher with traditional values – our customers are our priority.”
S J Langton
Main St
Leicester
Leicestershire
LE3 8DQ
Quality meats sold at this friendly butchers. They are superb with amazing meats and great customer service that can help you find what you need.
Soand Meat Shop
160 Narborough Rd
Leicester
Leicestershire
LE3 0BW
Soand meat shop situated at Narborough Road & Green Land Road was established in 1974. They are able to provide flawless high-quality meat. They are open seven days a week until late to be able to help you.