Back to BBQ Basics: Brits Ditch Fancy Cuts and Salads for Simpler Grills
More than half (52 percent) of Brits will be getting back to basics and enjoying CLASSIC BBQ fare this summer, ditching expensive joints of meat and craft beers, for burgers, chicken and sausages.
Sourdough bread is out, in favour of the classic white bap (47 percent), while marinated chicken drumsticks (44 percent) and classic sides such as coleslaw (43 percent) and potato salads (39 percent) are now firmly back on the menu.
And forget natural or organic wines, when it comes to vino, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay is top of the list.
Among the list of BBQ items the nation will struggle to afford this summer are overpriced natural wines (35 percent), whole fish such as seabass (27 percent), ribs of beef (26 percent), as well as artisan drinks like craft ales. (21 percent)
The research also saw a resurgence in traditional condiments such as ketchup (62 percent) and mayonnaise (50 percent), as opposed to Chimichurri or taramasalata.
The survey was commissioned by Andrew Peace Wines, which has partnered with England cricket legend turned grill school owner and chef, Matthew “Hoggy” Hoggard to create a £30 BBQ menu to make it easier for Brits to throw a simple yet tasty barbie that won’t break the bank.
Hoggy said: “It’s great to see that Brits’ love for hosting BBQs has not dwindled, despite purse strings being tighter. We were thrilled to see the humble banger topping the list of 2025 BBQ essentials, alongside more value drinks such as lager and wine.
“As far as I’m concerned, burgers, bangers and chicken thighs are always crowd pleasers at BBQs and the good news is they’re all super easy to pimp up with toppings, glazes, rubs and sauces to create something delicious to keep guests happy.”
Andrew Peace said: “BBQs are a quintessential part of a British summer and according to the research their popularity remains at an all time high, despite the fact that we’re having to be savvier with our money.
The survey also found that 36 percent will be ditching the gas BBQ this year, for a more authentic experience cooking over coals.
Andrew and Hoggy’s £30 menu – which includes a bottle of gluggable Aussie wine – features family favourites such as BBQ Roasted Potato Salad with Bacon Bits & Onions. The menu comes together as a feast of great value, simple yet tasty food that will easily feed a family of four.
BRITISH BBQ STAPLES BRITS ARE EMBRACING THIS SUMMER…
- Sausages – 78%
- Burgers – 66%
- Ketchup — 62%
- Mayonnaise – 50%
- White rolls – 47%
- Marinated chicken drumsticks – 44%
- Coleslaw – 43%
- Potato salad – 39%
- Chicken kebabs – 38%
- Classic white wines – 37%
- Premium beers and lagers – 37%
- Crisps – 37%
- Corn on the cob – 33%
- Pasta salad – 32%
- Baked potatoes – 28%
BBQ FARE BRITS WILL STRUGGLE TO AFFORD THIS SUMMER…
- Organic or natural wines – 35%
- Whole fish (seabass or salmon) – 27%
- Ribs of beef – 26%
- Craft ales – 21%
- Slow cooked briskets – 20%
- Prawns – 19%
- Prosecco – 18%
- Ottolenghi style /fancy salads – 18%
- Butterflied legs of lamb – 16%
- Cocktails – 11%
- Charcuterie – 11%
- Sourdough or brioche rolls – 10%
- Taramasalata – 9%
- Aperol Spritz – 9%
- Chimichurri – 8%