It seems to be a very cultural thing in the UK that when the sun is out, the world seems to stop, rip off its shirt and whistfully run out into the nearest patch of grass and set up a BBQ. (And then go and stand in a 20 minute long queue just for an ice cream cone.)
BBQs are the thing to do. Every weekend the UK prays for sun. Most weekends we're left no choice but to sit indoors, drinking and cursing the weather. But every once and a while, we're blessed with the weather that seemingly the entire world gets blessed with on a regular basis. (WE HATE YOU ALL.)
This weekend we decided to BBQ-it-up at BitchBuzz HQ (yes a BB HQ BBQ) and discovered a pretty cheap and easy way of BBQing when, in fact, you don't have a BBQ.
Or outside furniture.
Or much money.
1. Disposable BBQs Are The Shit
Sainsburys sell the best disposable BBQ we've found. We've already used these about three times and they really do work a treat. This past weekend they were on sale for about £1.99, but they usually retail for about £3.99 which is absolutely nothing.(£3 every once and a while, or £75 for some hunk of gas and metal that you'll only use three times a year?)
To heat these babies up, simply light the special bit of paper that works as a fire-lighter. Then, just treat it as a regular BBQ. (If you have a resident Scout in the house, let them get the fire going for you. Those guys and gals are serious pyros.)
Keep in mind if you're BBQing in a public park, or even your back yard, you'll need bricks to set your BBQ on. Otherwise, you will be shot on site. (Thanks to @susiweaser for the tip!)
2. Do Not Be Glutenous!
If you're wanting to do a kick-ass BBQ on the cheap, it is not that hard. If you buy sensibly and make a list before hand, you will not run out of food, especially if you're just BBQing for you and your partner. This isn't a advert for Sainsburys, but we've found that they seriously do some of the best BBQ food. They do many "2 for £4" offers on sausages and pre-made burgers, as well as kebab scewers and steaks.
Buy shit that is on sale. You really can do a fun yet simple BBQ with only a couple lots of meat. Think burgers. Think sausage sarnies.
3. Be Creative
Want an extra bit of goodness with your burgers and sausages? Why not buy a bag of frozen curly fries and cook those up while the burgers are on the grill? Make your own potato skins. Why not quickly cook up some mac & cheese? Grab a small container of deli style coleslaw for .89p! Throw some butter and garlic on a few portobello mushrooms and toss those and a few chunks of halloumi cheese on the grill!
It's very easy to add creative bits and pieces that don't cost a lot of money for a BBQ.
Also: Never underestimate the power of Doritos. They're the prefect accessory to any BBQ. Promise.
4. Rolls-A-Go-Go
Buy buns or rolls that can be used as both sausage/hot dog buns and burger buns. That way, you cut back on buying a ridiculous amount of bread.
5. Drink Differently
Cans of beer are easy and portable, but you can make makeshift cocktails on the go, as well. Throw some ice, cranberry & lime juice and a couple shots of vodka into a plastic cup and you've got a Cosmo on the go. Make a Dirty Shirley Temple in a water bottle. If you have all the ingredients and spirits at home - why buy new stuff? Just buy some mixers that are on sale and you can really cut back on the cost.
You really can do a BBQ for under £20. It's actually really easy - all you have to do is plan ahead and have your bargain hunter hat on and you'll be fine. Even if you're doing a massive BBQ for lots of people, do a potluck BBQ so that you don't get stuck with a gigantic grocery bill. You're not your guests' slave - they can pick up a few beef patties on the way to your house!