Brits claim temperatures only need to reach 14C before they crack out the barbecue. A survey of 2,000 adults found that 21% are even willing to get the grill fired up when the temperatures sit in single figures.
The most dedicated 67% will press on regardless until they spot signs of a storm their gazebo couldn’t survive. Meanwhile, 45% would keep the tongs firmly gripped despite thunder, and an impressive third would battle on through a full-blown storm — while average winds of 30mph wouldn’t deter others either.
A proud 50% have never abandoned a barbecue due to poor conditions, with 14% believing that cooking in unpredictable weather is all part of the appeal. A quarter would flat-out refuse to quit if the food was too good, while 31% wouldn’t want to disappoint their guests.
View 3 ImagesOne in three wouldn’t want to cancel a BBQ and let down their guests(Image: St Pierre)
A spokesperson for bakery brand St Pierre, which commissioned the research, said: “Although we’ve had a bout of beautiful sunshine recently, it’s clear it would have to be raining cats and dogs for us to sacrifice our barbecues.
“It’s incredible to see just how much it takes before people finally call it. For many of us, drizzle is just background noise, and even a bit of a chill won’t stop the tongs coming out if friends are on their way.
“That ‘we’ll make it work’ spirit and instinct to gather around good food – whatever the forecast – is a big part of what makes summer feel like summer in Britain.”
Of those who’ve been forced to cancel a barbecue, 49% have done so on the actual day, according to the OnePoll.com data. However, a sturdy umbrella (19%), patio heater (28%), and gazebo (34%) are among the items that would encourage people to barbecue despite poor weather conditions.
Nearly half (48%) say barbecue culture represents a significant part of their British summertime enjoyment, with 58% claiming the smell of grilling marks the first real sign of summer.
This summer, 50% are eager to experiment with new or unusual barbecue dishes or combining the classics with ‘something different’; 39% want to sample new flavours, and 22% are organising the menu and preparing ingredients well beforehand, to enhance their garden gatherings.
View 3 ImagesEven the smell of a BBQ can create a sense of summer(Image: St Pierre)
The St Pierre spokesperson added: “There’s clearly no ‘official’ start date for BBQ season, but what is consistent is how strongly people associate BBQs with British summertime.
“That smell of grilling really does feel like the starter’s pistol for long evenings, relaxed weekends and bringing people together.
“And while Brits might be famously optimistic about the weather, many are planning the menu and prepping ingredients well ahead of time – showing that even the most simple summertime meal can be a little more memorable when you take the time to do it properly.”