With the first rays of May warming our islands, Brits have begun dusting off the grill and dreaming of a proper British summer. A.F. Blakemore’s latest poll has uncovered what truly enchants us when the coals glow and the sun peeks through the clouds, from the scent of sizzling sausages to the distant jingle of an ice cream van.
A Feast for the Senses
For 61% of food-loving Brits, the unmistakable aroma of BBQ food wafting on a balmy evening tops the chart of seasonal delights. It beats out the classic pairing of strawberries and cream (35%) and even the cheerful melody of the ice cream van (29%).
More Magical Moments
It’s not just the grill that makes British summer feel magical. Other crowd-pleasers include:
- British music festivals (26%): Live bands and muddy fields never lose their charm.
- Cream teas (20%): Scones, jam and clotted cream at teatime remain a firm favourite.
- Caravan holidays (20%): Waking up to birdsong in your little home-on-wheels.
- Cool boxes (11%): Keeping Pimms and pints perfectly chilled.
- Street parties (10%): Community spirit at its best.
What Makes Summers in the UK Unique, According to Brits
| Experience | % of Brits |
|---|---|
| The smell of BBQ food | 61% |
| The smell of freshly cut grass | 60% |
| The sound of birds tweeting | 57% |
| Garden parties | 36% |
| Strawberries and cream | 35% |
| Putting shorts on at the first sight of sun | 33% |
| Hearing the ice cream van | 29% |
| Paddling in the sea | 28% |
| 99 Flakes | 27% |
| British Music festivals | 26% |
| Wimbledon | 25% |
| The sound of people mowing their lawns | 24% |
| Food festivals | 21% |
| Cream teas | 20% |
| Caravan holidays | 20% |
| Deckchairs | 17% |
| Filling up the paddling pool | 17% |
| Potato salad | 15% |
| Sandy feet | 15% |
| Disposable BBQs | 14% |
| Cola ice lollies | 14% |
| Chasing the children around with a hose | 13% |
| Watching the cricket | 13% |
| Jugs of Pimms | 13% |
| Wicker picnic baskets | 13% |
| Men standing around the BBQ | 12% |
| Cool boxes | 11% |
| Street parties | 10% |
| Shandy | 10% |
| Chequered picnic rugs | 10% |
| Listening to the rain from inside your tent | 9% |
| Packets of Scampi Fries in a beer garden | 8% |
| Canal boat holidays | 6% |
| Crabbing | 6% |
| Games of rounders | 6% |
Listening to the rain from inside your tent (9%): Because nothing says ‘adventure’ like a downpour under canvas.
Pimm’s, Shandies and Scampi Fries
One in five (13%) say that sharing a jug of Pimm’s is the mark of a British summer, while 10% think on a hot day nothing beats a shandy, and 8% savour a packet of Scampi Fries in a beer garden.
Rain or Shine, Bring On the Barbecue
The research found that firing up the barbecue is a go-to for the season, although good weather isn’t always a prerequisite.
Six in ten (60%) admit they’ve cooked bangers in the pouring rain, and over half (53%) say not even a downpour will stop them. In fact, 86% insist that “you haven’t experienced a proper British summer until you’ve BBQ’d in the rain.”
Despite our weather’s fickle nature, the average Brit needs the mercury at around 21 °C before they’ll wipe down the grill and light the coals.
The Essentials for a Perfect Barbie
When it comes to setting the scene for that fire-up:
- Sunny weather (68%)
- Good friends and family (66%)
- A great playlist (32%)
Sarah Ellis, Group Marketing Director, A.F. Blakemore said: “The research shows that nothing beats a Great British summer, whether it’s the sparking up the barbecue, getting away in the caravan for a few days or even hearing the rain while you’re in a tent. The one thing that is clear is it is all about appreciating those magic moments.
“Summers are all about going with the flow and creating the magic in the smaller moments.”
With 92% agreeing that, despite its ups and downs, a Great British summer remains utterly magical—and 71% confessing they look forward to it all year—it seems our love affair with the season is forever burning bright.
