Barbecuing is becoming more popular than ever in the UK, says poll

Britons are now giving South Africans and Aussies a run for their money in the BBQ stakes - due to the pandemic.

A poll of 2,000 barbecue owners found almost half have improved their grill skills since lockdown one, and a quarter are now better at it than ever before.

However, it is no longer just a ‘fun in the sun’ past time as 41 per cent admit to taking it very seriously - with 50 per cent rating themselves as ‘sizzling hot’ with a pair of tongs in hand.

And for some of those polled, taking their barbecuing skills to the next level is their main goal for 2021.

It also emerged adults are now barbecuing more often since the start of the pandemic compared to before, with one in 10 taking to the grill daily during the summer months.

Many made it a weekly ritual and not only did people wait for the warmer months to light those flames or turn on the gas, a few weathered the cold on a weekly basis during winter too.

Dan Cooper, Grill Master at Weber which commissioned the research, said: “The increased frequency of barbecuing over the past 12 months is a signal that the barbecue has been a centrepiece for many households.

“It’s a place where people have been able to get together and enjoy good food with good company, safely.

“It seems people have dared to get a bit adventurous with their meals and step out of their usual comfort zones - there is clearly an appetite for upskilling our grilling which is great to see.”

The poll also found a fifth said the barbecue has allowed them to be more experimental with their food – with a third now cooking foods such as whole fish and meat joints.

The most popular choices pre-pandemic included classic chicken drumsticks, corn on the cob, sausages, and burgers.

Nearly half agreed food tastes better cooked on the grill than it does in the oven and some said they have enjoyed cooking more than they usually would.

When comparing it to other life skills, a quarter said they’re better with a pair of tongs than they are DIY.

However, those who still lack confidence at the grill put it down to lack of experience, worrying they’ll burn or undercook the food, or dread it’ll be overcooked.

A quarter also feel nervous about not having control over the temperature.

Breaking down the gender stereotypes, it also emerged the majority reckon barbecuing is no longer a ‘man thing’ – with almost three in 10 women claiming they’ve barbecued more often than ever before.

With restrictions on the verge of being lifted, some have already started planning their barbecues for the year ahead.

While others plan on having more barbecues than ever once restrictions have been eased.

The study, conducted via OnePoll, also found a few plan on going bigger and better with their outdoor menu.

Others plan on buying a new barbecue as soon as friends and family are allowed over, while several intend to have friends and family over for a barbecue every weekend.

Chris Trewhitt, from Weber, added: “As restrictions begin to lift, people are planning ahead for all the things they’ve missed doing.

“Gathering friends and family for a barbecue whether in the garden or on a beach, is one of the simple outdoor pleasures we can enjoy this summer, and it’s clear from the results this is something people are really looking forward to.

“Last year we saw a huge rise in barbecue purchases, and it follows that Brits appear to be barbecuing more frequently and have an increased appetite for upskilling their grilling”

SWNS