Celebrate the August Bank Holiday with a BBQ or an Indoor Feast

The August Bank Holiday is the perfect excuse to slow down, gather with friends and family, and enjoy good food. 

Whether the sun graces us with its presence or the great British weather decides otherwise, you can celebrate in style with a sizzling BBQ or a cosy indoor feast.

Fire Up the BBQ

If the skies are clear, a Bank Holiday BBQ is a must. The smell of charcoal and the sound of food sizzling instantly puts everyone in a relaxed, festive mood.

Classic Favourites: Burgers, sausages, chicken skewers, and veggie kebabs never go out of fashion.

Something Special: Try marinated lamb chops, halloumi with honey, or salmon wrapped in foil with lemon and herbs.

Sides to Share: Potato salad, corn on the cob, crunchy slaws, and plenty of fresh bread rolls make the perfect accompaniments.

Drinks & Treats: Pimms, iced tea, or craft beer pair beautifully with BBQ flavours. For pudding, think fruity pavlovas or toasted marshmallows.

An Indoor Feast

Sometimes the weather doesn’t play ball, but that’s no reason to let the celebrations stop. Turn your kitchen and dining room into a banquet hall and cook up a feast.

Sharing Platters: A roast chicken or joint of beef carved at the table feels wonderfully communal. Pair with roast potatoes, seasonal veg, and Yorkshire puddings.

Cosy Comforts: Cottage pie, lasagne, or a hearty curry can feed a crowd and bring warmth to a rainy day.

Make it Interactive: Try a DIY taco bar or a build-your-own pizza station – guaranteed fun for all ages.

Finish in Style: Classic British desserts like apple crumble, sticky toffee pudding, or a trifle will end the meal on a sweet note.

Create the Atmosphere

Food is at the heart of the day, but don’t forget the atmosphere. String up some fairy lights in the garden, put on a cheerful playlist, or light candles indoors for a warm, welcoming glow. Games, quizzes, or even a singalong can keep everyone entertained long after the plates are cleared.

The Joy of Togetherness

However you choose to celebrate, the August Bank Holiday is about making memories with the people you love. Whether it’s the laughter around the BBQ or the cosiness of a shared meal indoors, good food has a way of bringing us together – rain or shine.

Savouring the August Bank Holiday: Foods, Drinks & Places to Go

The August Bank Holiday is the perfect excuse to slow down, soak up the last of the summer sunshine, and indulge in great food, refreshing drinks, and memorable days out. 

Whether you're planning a garden gathering, a picnic in the park, or a mini adventure away from home, here's how to make the most of the long weekend.

Delicious Foods for a Bank Holiday Feast

1. BBQ Bonanza

Fire up the grill and bring on the burgers, bangers, and skewers. Go classic with British sausages and marinated chicken, or mix it up with veggie kebabs, grilled halloumi, and portobello mushrooms.

2. Summer Salads That Shine

Bright, fresh, and seasonal – think heirloom tomato and mozzarella, couscous with roasted vegetables, or a zingy potato salad with spring onions and mustard dressing.

3. Picnic Perfection

Prepare a hamper with Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, quiches, crusty bread, British cheeses, grapes, and a punnet or two of strawberries. Add a chilled bottle of elderflower presse or prosecco for a touch of sparkle.

4. Sweet Treats to Finish

Eton mess, lemon drizzle cake, and scones with jam and clotted cream are always crowd-pleasers. For a twist, try frozen fruit skewers or make your own ice lollies with juice and chunks of fresh fruit.

Drinks to Toast the Holiday

1. Pimm’s O’Clock

No British summer celebration is complete without a jug of Pimm’s, packed with mint, cucumber, strawberries, and oranges.

2. Summer Cocktails & Mocktails

Try a blackberry mojito, a gin and elderflower fizz, or a peach bellini. For alcohol-free options, serve iced hibiscus tea with lemon, or cucumber and mint-infused sparkling water.

3. Craft Beer and Ciders

Support local breweries and stock up on seasonal ales and refreshing fruit ciders—ideal for beer gardens or back garden chilling.

Where to Go This Bank Holiday

1. Seaside Escapes

From Whitby to Brighton, Cornwall to the Norfolk coast, a day at the seaside brings a nostalgic charm. Don’t forget the fish and chips—and maybe a paddle in the sea.

2. Countryside Walks and Pub Stops

Lace up your walking boots and head for the Peak District, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, or South Downs. Reward yourself with a pub lunch in a thatched inn with a garden.

3. City Breaks with Culture

Cities like Edinburgh, Bristol, or Liverpool come alive with festivals, food markets, and live music over the long weekend.

4. Local Events & Festivals

Check listings for food fairs, beer festivals, vintage car shows, or outdoor cinema nights in your area. Many villages and towns host late summer fetes and carnivals too.

Top Tips for a Brilliant Bank Holiday

Book ahead: Whether it’s a restaurant, hotel, or activity, places can fill up fast.

Pack for British weather: Sunglasses, sunscreen, umbrella, and a jumper—just in case!

Shop local: Support local farms, delis, and bakeries when buying supplies.

Unplug: Take a break from your phone and enjoy the moment—you’ve earned it.

Conclusion

The August Bank Holiday is your golden ticket to enjoying the best of British summer before the season begins to fade. With delicious home-cooked food, refreshing drinks, and delightful places to visit, you don’t need to travel far to create lasting memories.

Whether you’re sunning yourself on the coast, toasting with friends in the garden, or exploring a hidden village pub, here’s to making the most of your Bank Holiday weekend!

Missed Watermelon Day? Here’s Why You Should Celebrate the Whole of August Instead

August 3rd might have quietly slipped by you, and with it, National Watermelon Day. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. 

Many of us were too caught up in the busy summer bustle to notice the calendar nod to this juicy summertime staple.

But here’s the thing: watermelon deserves far more than just a single day of recognition. In fact, we’re calling it! August should be Watermelon Month.

Why Watermelon Deserves a Month of Celebration

1. It’s peak season!

Watermelon is at its absolute best in August. Sweet, refreshing, and perfectly hydrating, it’s everything we crave during warm days and sultry evenings.

2. It’s hydrating and healthy.

With around 92% water content, watermelon is a delicious way to stay cool and hydrated. It's also a source of vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and the amino acid citrulline, which supports heart health and muscle recovery.

3. It’s versatile.

Think watermelon is just for slicing and snacking? Think again. From feta and mint salads to watermelon granitas, cocktails, and even grilled wedges, this fruit can surprise you with its adaptability in both sweet and savoury dishes.

4. It brings people together.

Picnics, BBQs, pool parties, and garden gatherings—there’s something inherently joyful about sharing a big slice of watermelon. It’s nostalgic, fun, and a little bit messy in the best possible way.

How to Celebrate Watermelon All August Long

Create a watermelon recipe challenge.

Try a new watermelon-based recipe each week. Get creative: watermelon gazpacho, salsa, skewers with halloumi, smoothies, sorbet…

Host a ‘Missed Watermelon Day’ picnic.

Invite friends or neighbours for a retro-style picnic with watermelon centrepieces, games, and themed snacks. Think seed-spitting contests, watermelon carving, or even a pink and green dress code!

Sip it.

Infuse your water with watermelon and mint, blend up a frosty watermelon daiquiri, or make a non-alcoholic agua fresca. Hydration has never tasted this good.

Support local growers.

If you’re in the UK, hunt down British-grown watermelons at farm shops or greengrocers. While they’re less common than imported varieties, local options help cut food miles and support regional agriculture.

Didn’t Mark the Third? Make It a Month Instead

Missing a single calendar day isn’t the end of the world. But turning it into a month-long celebration? That’s a deliciously good idea.

So go on! Slice it, dice it, blend it, and share it. Celebrate the simple joy of watermelon all August long. It’s never too late to honour summer’s juiciest icon.