In a nation where we treat weather chats like a national sport, the Great British summer barbecue has once again proven itself immune to logic—and entirely at the mercy of the skies.
According to a survey of 2,000 determined souls, we discuss the weather an average of 29 times a week during BBQ season. That’s more small talk than a school run queue. And once the mercury nudges over a very specific 20 degrees, the tongs are out, the coals are lit, and the ritual begins.
But here’s the kicker: 60% of those surveyed admitted they’ve ended up flipping burgers under a gazebo, brolly in hand. Because when it comes to the Great British summer barbecue, rain is not a dealbreaker—it’s practically a rite of passage.
With showers threatening the upcoming bank holiday, wholesaler AF Blakemore (the force behind SPAR) revealed in their research that 53% of Brits say there’s no storm strong enough to cancel a cookout. In fact, 86% argue that until you’ve had to rescue a sausage from a puddle, you haven’t truly lived a British summer.
“The research shows that nothing beats a Great British summer, whether it’s SPARking up the barbecue, getting away in the caravan for a few days or even hearing the rain while you’re in a tent,” said Sarah Ellis, Group Marketing Director at AF Blakemore. “The one thing that is clear is it is all about appreciating those magic moments.”
Magic, indeed—especially in Norwich, the UK’s undisputed capital of barbecue bravery, where a stonking 72% of locals claim they’ll grill in the worst weather. Edinburgh comes a close second with 69%, followed by Cambridge (60%), Sunderland and Aberdeen (both 58%), and Swansea (55%).
Despite the soggy skewers and waterlogged wings, 92% agree that a Great British summer still holds its own kind of charm—an alchemy of chaos, camaraderie, and charred meat.
Financially, the average BBQ host spends £71 to put on a proper spread. And make no mistake: when the fire’s lit, Dad’s in charge. Nearly half of Brits (46%) say fathers take the helm at the grill, and 41% of those polled believe no one should dare meddle with his meat.
As for what makes the ideal alfresco bash? Sunshine leads the wish list (68%), followed closely by good company (66%) and a generous spread (64%). Drinks matter too—alcoholic or otherwise (50%)—while 32% rate a decent playlist, and 31% want options for meat-lovers and veggie guests alike.
🔥 Hardiest BBQers – Regions Happy to BBQ in the Rain
Compared to the UK national average of 45%
| Rank | Region | % Happy to BBQ in Rain | Above National Average? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norwich | 72% | Yes |
| 2 | Edinburgh | 69% | Yes |
| 3 | Cambridge | 60% | Yes |
| 4 | Sunderland | 58% | Yes |
| 5 | Aberdeen | 58% | Yes |
| 6 | Liverpool | 58% | Yes |
| 7 | York | 57% | Yes |
| 8 | Swansea | 55% | Yes |
| 9 | Sheffield | 54% | Yes |
| 10 | Birmingham | 51% | Yes |
Source: AF Blakemore / SPAR BBQ Survey, May 2025
So, as another damp bank holiday looms, know this: for millions of Brits, the barbecue isn’t cancelled—it’s just moved under cover. Because in this country, the sizzle doesn’t stop for showers. It’s not summer until your sausages are soggy and your spirits are unbreakable.
And that, dear reader, is the flavour of a true Great British summer barbecue.
