With the weather heating up and the days getting brighter, BBQ season is upon us. Whether you’re a grilling extraordinaire or just love getting together with friends and family, our top outdoor BBQ area ideas will make your garden the centre of alfresco feasts and outdoor fun this summer.
For a simple and cost-effective outdoor BBQ area, set up a free-standing grill and a gorgeous outdoor dining set on a covered patio area.
Glass verandas establish comfortable spaces that are protected from the beautifully unpredictable Great British weather. An open design with glazed panels creates a bright and welcoming area for festivities that connects indoor and outdoor spaces. If you are not wielding the BBQ tongs, sit back on a luxurious aluminium lounge set and relax with a glass of fizz before it’s time to serve up.
If you’re on chef duties, find a grill that suits your cooking style and budget; charcoal BBQs infuse a delicious, smoky flavour whilst gas hobs are a quick and easy way to get things in motion. Choose a level spot, away from flammable materials, and check where the smoke travels. Pairing your veranda with stunning aluminium sliding doors or bifold doors allows quick kitchen accessibility for any last-minute prep. Plus, being able to open the doors just a little helps keep the smoke outside, so your home stays fresh and comfortable while you cook.
A specialist outdoor kitchen extends your living spaces into the outdoors, letting you cook a BBQ banquet with all the home comforts and amenities.
For the ultimate setup, a bioclimatic pergola provides the ideal shelter, redefining your outdoor kitchen into a cosy and inviting spot for cooking and entertaining. Electronically operated louvres can be opened to let guests bask in the sun while keeping you cool and comfortable as you fire up the grill. If the weather changes, simply close the louvres with a swipe on your phone to protect your guests and appliances, then turn up the built-in heaters to keep everyone warm long after the night cools down.
A BBQ pergola is the perfect investment for an avid cooking enthusiast who loves entertaining guests by indulging in their passion. When kitting this space out, consider whether you want built-in appliances that achieve a seamless look or a modular set that provides adaptability for every circumstance. The layout should not only support an efficient cooking experience but also encourage a social atmosphere where you can connect and enjoy time with loved ones.
Light up the firepit to set the mood for cosy laid-back get-togethers with this outside BBQ area idea. By fitting an adjustable grill onto a timeless stone pit or an industrial metal burner, you can have a chat and get stuck into fireside antics while cooking.
An aluminium pergola with fixed open louvres creates a defined fire pit BBQ area with ample protection and ventilation in the summer months. With your pit in the middle, fill this space with informal and comfy seating, including camp chairs, Adirondack chairs, and rustic wooden benches, keeping a stock of logs handy. Decorate this covered BBQ area with lanterns, string lights, and candles to capture the campfire ambience, and set your inbuilt LED lighting to a warm glow.
Give plenty of consideration to the type of firepit you choose and how it can be safely enjoyed in your pergola. Gas-powered fire pits are the safest option, producing a controllable flame that releases less smoke, whilst wood fires offer a more rustic and traditional experience. An aluminium fixed open pergola is a smart choice for this setup, as it’s non-combustible and eliminates the fire risk that a stray spark might pose to wooden structures. A ceiling height of 10 to 15 feet helps heat disperse safely, while open louvres ensure proper ventilation for any smoke.
Another option is to build your grill into a permanent structure. Setting your BBQ into a red brick wall adds a charming, rustic touch that’s perfect for cooking up a feast and hosting friends.
When planning the build, it’s worth including handy features like storage for fuel and heat-resistant countertops for easy food prep. Be sure the brickwork includes proper ventilation or a chimney-style top to safely let out heat and smoke.
To keep your grill and appliances protected year-round, you might add a glazed structure around the area. A glass lean-to roof offers elegant cover, with three flexible sides that you can open or close depending on the weather. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the best of outdoor cooking while still feeling connected to the comfort of your home.
To construct a garden BBQ area, you could develop pre-existing spaces in your garden that are purpose-built for festivities. For example, integrating a compact grilling unit into an outdoor bar creates a social hub that’s ready for plenty of laughs with great food.
For safety reasons, this idea is best suited to non-combustible structures with plenty of ventilation. Although an aluminium carport ticks all the boxes, give plenty of consideration to the bar layout and the safe placement of your grill. This is especially important if your outdoor space has any wooden furniture or decorations which may need extra precautions, such as a heat-resistant shield around the unit.
Once you’re happy that a re-jig has boosted the safety, cooking, and socialising aspects of your bar, it’s time to make unforgettable memories from the convenience of your back garden.
Hopefully, our outdoor BBQ area ideas have provided plenty of inspiration for your next outdoor renovation project. Explore the Exterior Spaces collection of bespoke pergolas, verandas, and glazed structures in our showroom or online, and talk to our expert sales team to find the perfect garden solution that will transform your next BBQ get-together.