Barbequing in Britain has come a long way from a handful of sausages on a sunny afternoon. As one of the UK’s leading barbecue suppliers and the creators of the Original Instant Barbecue, Barbequick, in 2026 celebrates its 40th anniversary and has launched a new report which looks at how Brits have evolved into a nation of outdoor cooks.
With outdoor cooking becoming a defining part of modern British life since the 1980s, the report “Rain or Shine: 40 Years of Barbecuing in the UK” charts how the nation has gone from occasional summer grilling to a culture in which barbecues are a regular, all-weather ritual. Today, around three-quarters of UK households own a BBQ, and the average family now hosts around ten each summer – a dramatic rise from just a few occasions a decade ago.
What’s changed most is not just how often we barbecue, but why. Once seen as a novelty reserved for sunny weekends, outdoor cooking is now woven into everyday life. More than half of Britons say barbecuing is now part of their normal cooking routine, while many are just as likely to grill midweek as they are on a special occasion. Even the famously unpredictable British weather is no longer a barrier, with a growing number of people happy to fire up the barbecue come rain or shine.
Barbequick has been at the heart of this transformation since 1986, when it introduced the world’s first instant disposable BBQ. The innovation made outdoor cooking simpler, more portable and more accessible than ever before, helping to spark a nationwide shift in how people cook and socialise.
Over the decades, barbecuing has evolved far beyond burgers and sausages. British grills now reflect a world of flavours, from American-style smoked meats to Caribbean jerk dishes and Middle Eastern kebabs. Health and sustainability have also shaped the modern barbecue, with more people choosing grilled vegetables, leaner cuts of meat and plant-based options, which now feature in nearly a third of BBQ occasions.
The rise of the barbecue is closely linked to wider lifestyle trends. Gardens have become an extension of the home – often described as the “fifth room” – where cooking, dining and socialising merge. For many, lighting the barbecue is as much about relaxing and connecting with others as it is about food. Research shows that outdoor cooking helps people feel happier and less stressed, turning a simple meal into a shared experience.
Innovation continues to drive the category forward. While charcoal remains a firm favourite, new technologies and more sustainable fuels are reshaping the market. Barbequick has led the way here too, pioneering fairly traded charcoal and introducing eco-friendly alternatives made from agricultural waste, responding to growing consumer demand for more responsible choices.
From smarter grills to global flavours and year-round cooking, barbecuing is no longer just a seasonal activity – it’s a lifestyle, which is continuing to grow each year.
Caroline Morris from Barbequick said: “Over the past 40 years, we’ve seen barbecuing transform from a simple summer pastime into a central part of how people cook, relax and spend time together. We’re proud to have played a role in that journey. Today, barbecuing is about more than food – it’s about creating moments, whatever the weather.”
The full report can be found here https://www.barbequick.co.uk/blogs/information/rain-or-shine-40-years-of-barbecuing-in-the-uk
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