Whether by the river, on the terrace of a country house hotel restaurant, pub beer garden, a quaint side street, the beach or your own backyard, dining outside offers the perfect opportunity to get fun.



According to the National BBQ Association (NBA), 100 million barbecues took place in the UK in 2005, making Brits Europe's biggest barbecue fans, taking the number one slot from Germany which held the title for many years. It's all the more surprising because of UK rather lacklustre summer weather.

The smoking ban begins in England on the 1st July 2007, therefore alfresco dining will become more popular.

An exciting competition organized by Heinz aims to find the best pub barbecuers in Britain. Amateur BBQ’ers will be judged on preparation, including marinading, grilling, presentation, texture and taste.

The winner will win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the Best of Britain BBQ team.

In October the team will take on the world with the support of Heinz Foodservice, competing in the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Lynchburg, Tennessee.

Marston’s Pub Company catering development manager “BBQ Ben" Bartlett will lead the team in the Jack Daniel’s World Championship:

“The prize sounds like a holiday but the winner will not be learning how to simply flip burgers. They will learn how to marinade and cook a range of meat cuts, such as brisket, belly and ribs, as well as chickens and whole hogs. They will use a range of slow cooking methods, which can take up to 16 hours, plus aromatic woods to enhance the flavour.

He added: “Back home, they won’t think of a BBQ in the same way. They will realise the true potential of a BBQ menu and be able to create a bespoke range of dishes, unique to their outlet."

Best of Britain BBQ team will fly to Moscow in June for the European BBQ Championships, then over to Canada for the Canadian National Championships. On July 2and, the team will come back to the UK for the 10th anniversary of Skills for Chefs.

According to recent independent Nando's research, the barbecue market continues to grow, two-thirds of those questioned now prefer a barbie to a dinner party.