Celebrate National BBQ Week: Fire Up the Grill for Summer Fun

Nothing says the start of British summer quite like the smoky aroma of a sizzling barbecue. National BBQ Week is here, and it's the perfect excuse to gather your friends, fire up the grill, and enjoy delicious food in the great outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a barbecue beginner, this week is all about embracing alfresco dining and making the most of the sunshine.

When is National BBQ Week?

National BBQ Week 2025 runs from 26 May to 1 June, kicking off the summer season with a celebration of all things barbecued. First launched in 1997, the event aims to encourage people across the UK to embrace healthier, more adventurous BBQ cooking and enjoy outdoor entertaining.

How to Celebrate National BBQ Week

1. Host a Garden BBQ Party

Invite friends, family, or neighbours over for a relaxed barbecue gathering. Keep it simple with a few classics — think burgers, sausages, and veggie skewers — or go all-out with marinated ribs, grilled halloumi, or seafood platters.

2. Try Something New on the Grill

Move beyond bangers and burgers by experimenting with marinades, rubs, and international BBQ styles. Korean-style bulgogi, Jamaican jerk chicken, and Mediterranean grilled vegetables are all crowd-pleasers.

3. Support Local Butchers and Producers

Celebrate the best of British produce by sourcing your meat, fish, and veg from local farmers' markets and butchers. Many offer BBQ-ready options that are perfect for a quick but tasty meal.

4. Make it Plant-Based

BBQs aren’t just for meat-eaters. Grill portobello mushrooms, corn on the cob, aubergine, tofu, or even watermelon slices. Serve with vibrant salads and dips like chimichurri or harissa hummus.

5. Get the Kids Involved

Let little hands help with safe prep jobs, such as assembling veggie kebabs or mixing marinades. Turn it into a garden picnic with BBQ-friendly finger foods.

6. Don’t Forget the Drinks

Pair your BBQ dishes with refreshing drinks — think Pimm’s, craft beer, iced tea, or homemade lemonade. Or set up a DIY drinks station with fruit-infused water and spritzers.

BBQ Safety Tips

Always keep an eye on the grill and ensure it’s placed on a flat, stable surface.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure everything is cooked safely.

Keep raw meat separate from cooked items and salads.

Have a bucket of water or sand nearby just in case.

Share the Sizzle

If you're celebrating BBQ Week, share your photos and recipes on social media with the hashtag #NationalBBQWeek. It’s a great way to connect with fellow foodies and get inspired by what others are cooking up.

Whether it’s a laid-back weekend grill or a midweek cookout, National BBQ Week is your cue to dust off the tongs and enjoy one of the best parts of British summertime. So grab your apron, light the charcoal, and make it a week to remember.