Hosting the modern BBQ: Why Vegan food and home bars are all the rage

We’re a proud barbecuing nation here in the UK with most of us having as many as we can when – whether permitting, of course!

 

However, the BBQ of 2019 is somewhat different from what it would have been a couple of years ago.

 

With the planet at the forefront of most of our minds, consumers are now looking at how they can more responsibly enjoy the humble BBQ. From plastic-free products to faux meat food, the classic burnt sausages and homemade patty burgers are a thing of the past.

 

Similarly, we’re also now looking at how we can improve our overall BBQ experience and with the average household spending around £14k on garden landscaping, according to research.

 

It seems that we’ve never been more interested in finessing our outdoor spaces.

 

So, just how do you host the BBQ of 2019?

 

 

Viva-la-Vegan

 

With one in four now drinking plant-based milk, there’s no denying that 2019 is the year that Veganism really took off.

 

A few years ago, it would have been a real struggle to find vegan inspired food in your local supermarket. However, with a recent surge in interest from young people, Veganism has never been more popular.

 

All it takes in the UK for a BBQ is a few hours of sunshine before we’re all rushing off to buy our BBQ favourites. However, if you’re hosting for friends, how do you best cater to the newfound vegans and vegetarians in your circle?

 

It is thanks to its recent popularity that catering to these groups has become a lot easier. Most supermarkets now stock vegetarian and vegan BBQ products from cauliflower sausages to meatless burgers.

 

Similarly, things like vegan cookbooks and blogs have made it easier than ever to look up quick recipes to make sure your vegan friends are well-fed.

 

It’s unlikely that you’ll have to provide much vegan food considering a mere 1% of the UK population identify as vegan. However, it’s a good idea to get something in just in case, either way, it will still be a healthy alternative.

 

Home bars

 

Upon entering most beer gardens nowadays, you’ll be hard stretched not to find some kind of drinks shed. With rooftop bars becoming the latest trend, a lot of these businesses are setting up shed bars to keep their city-dwelling punters happy.

 

With BBQ season in full swing, many of us are looking at stepping up our game as hosts. One such way is by creating one of our very own shed bars.

 

The principle is simple. Buy a shed, deck it out with some fridges, a bar and accompanying bar stools.

 

Another one of the top trends to come out of 2019 is the non-alcoholic beer. Much like veganism, consumers are becoming more aware of their habits and as such, are looking to healthier and more responsible choices. UK sales on low or non-alcoholic beers rose by 28% over the last 12 months, so make sure to stock your bar with sober people in mind.

 

So, if you’re looking to be the host with the most this year, then make sure to think about catering for vegans and building your own pop up bar. However, for the rest of us, there’s nothing wrong with grilling up some simple, traditional BBQ grub!