Cooking on a BBQ is an activity many people reserve for summer, but when the weather fails to arrive, it leaves months without getting outside to enjoy a grilled meal.
The Great British BBQ Survey revealed that Britons are a hardy bunch with 72 percent of people claiming that they like to BBQ in winter.
That said, only 14 percent admitted to being tough enough to ignore bad weather when they have a BBQ planned.
With the May Bank Holiday weekend just days away, and a “fairly uncertain period” of weather expected, according to the Met Office, some households may find their plans scuppered by the weather.
But according to new data by Hello Fresh, some brave Britons will take temperatures as low as 15C as a sign to dig out the grill.
A survey conducted by HelloFresh unveiled that the average temperature pushing Brits to BBQ varies across UK cities, but as a national average, 18C is the optimal temperature for a BBQ.
In Scotland, however, home cooks will accept temperatures of 15.1C to plan a BBQ, with many people beginning a summer of al-fresco dining in May. The Hello Fresh data also revealed that people in Bristol, Belfast and Bristol prefer temperatures of 16.1-16.8C and start barbecuing food in June.
Meanwhile, BBQ lovers in London, Leeds and Newcastle opt for temperatures of 17.6C and above. Britons in Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham, Southampton, Nottingham and Liverpool are most likely to wait for temperatures above 18C to have a BBQ, while cooks in Norwich and Cardiff wait until the thermostat climbs above 19C.
Luckily for many people, the weather is expected to reach the high teens during May – albeit along with some rain. But it won’t stop some grill-masters.
Marcus Bawdon, a BBQ lover who loves to share his recipes online, admitted that he loves a challenge and even cooks outdoors in the snow.
He said: “I cook outdoors year round… It’s easy to BBQ on a nice sunny summer evening… so I like to make things more challenging.”
Marcus added: “You need to be well prepared and dress appropriately for the weather, either cook very quickly grilling over high heat with good charcoal or for a long time in a smoker.”
Tom Bourlet, marketing manager at FizzBox also shared how he and his team will always go ahead with BBQ plans, regardless of the weather.
He said: “Ironically all of our BBQs tend to come just before the weather improves- just our luck! Considering we offer activities and experiences, we’re always determined to get in the celebration mood, however the consistent rain has been difficult at times during March-May.”
