How To Plan The Perfect Barbecue

By Heather Wood

The temperature is rising, the shops are selling sunglasses and swimsuits. It must be summer. Well almost. The evermore occurring sunshine means the perfect opportunity for a barbecue, and with access to one of the best beaches in the United Kingdom, is there really an excuse not to go?

Here at the Waterfront, we’re here to help you to deliver the best barbecue this summer.

Remember to bring the matches.
Bring the blankets, it can get cold in the evenings.
Remember the bottle openers or cork screw.
Stay clear of the tide, remember the movement of the waves.
Choose dry firewood for your barbecue, otherwise there will be little flame action.
Buy some food that doesn’t need to be cooked, believe me. It will save you from some very hangry reactions when the fire won’t light.
Bring some firelighters, *ahem* newspapers or your lectures notes burn well.

Don’t

Forget fire responsibility.
Don’t use utensils and plates that have touched raw meat – it’s easy to forget but food poisoning is not fun.
Don’t mix drinking and swimming. Stay clear of the tide if you have had a few – especially at night.
Be considerate of others around you, there are many other beach users.
Urinating on the fire or barbecue doesn’t kill the flame.
Don’t cook frozen meat on the barbecue. Pre-cook at home or you’ll be eating at midnight.
Don’t leave your barbecue burning and pick up all your litter. No one wants to step in broken glass.

Alcohol is arguably the best part of summer, so here’s some easy cocktail recipes to bring with you to the barbecue. For all these three cocktails, all you need to do is combine the ingredients to achieve your desired alcoholic beverage.

A general view of Pimms beverages on day three of Wimbledon