There is a particular kind of optimism that arrives the moment the British sun makes an appearance: gardens are swept, charcoal is bought in slightly excessive quantities, and somebody, somewhere, is already arguing about whether the chicken needs longer. At Forman & Field, we believe a proper BBQ deserves rather more thought than a packet of supermarket burgers thrown on at the last minute. Dry-aged steaks, artisan sausages, and salmon that has earned its place on the grill, all gathered with the same care we’d bring to any other table. Here is what we believe belongs at the British barbecue this summer, and exactly how we intend to fire up the grill.
What is the best meat to put on the BBQ?
The finest BBQ meat is meat that needs very little done to it, because the quality speaks for itself. British grilling has moved well beyond the supermarket sausage and burger, towards proper cuts that reward a hot grill and very little fuss. Our Tomahawk Beef, dry-aged for thirty days from Aberdeen Angus or Hereford cattle, is the obvious showstopper; the bone left in means the meat releases extraordinary flavour as it cooks. Alongside it, our Hand-Chopped Beef Burgers bring proper texture and bite, while Hepburn’s Sausages, in classic Cumberland and Guildsman varieties, are the sort of banger that makes the supermarket version feel rather pointless. For those who like their grilling with a little theatre, Hepburn’s Hot Dogs, hot-smoked over beech, bring a proper smokehouse pedigree to the coals.
What seafood works well on a barbecue?
For us, a barbecue without fish feels like a missed opportunity, and the grill suits good seafood rather better than most people expect. Our Salmon Burgers hold their shape on the grill while staying properly moist within, and Large Tiger Prawns need only a few minutes over hot coals before they’re ready. For something a little more indulgent, Potted Lobster spread on warm bread makes a fine starter while the coals come up to temperature, and our London Cure Smoked Salmon, hand-sliced in the traditional way, needs no cooking at all, only a cold glass of something nearby.
What should I drink at a summer BBQ?
A BBQ in England calls for bottles that can survive a slightly chaotic afternoon and still taste like an occasion. Our Fine English Wines case, personally selected by Lance Forman, includes Balfour Nannette’s Rosé, an English summer in a bottle, and Biddenden Ortega 2021, crisp and fruity with notes of green apple, both suited to an afternoon spent moving between the grill and the garden. For those who’d rather pour by the glass, our Rose Wine and White Wine ranges offer plenty to choose from, while our Artisan Beer Selection suits the smokier end of the table rather well.
What sides belong on the BBQ table?
A great barbecue is never just about what’s on the grill. The finest summer tables are balanced with fresh, colourful sides that bring brightness to every plate and pair just as beautifully with chargrilled fish as they do with perfectly cooked meat. Our Celeriac Salad offers crisp freshness and a satisfying crunch, making it an ideal partner for grilled steaks, burgers, or seafood. For something a little richer, the Butternut Squash, Chargrilled Courgette & Blue Cheese Salad balances sweet roasted vegetables with creamy blue cheese, pairing particularly well with lamb, chicken, and salmon. Meanwhile, our vibrant Beetroot Salad brings colour, earthiness, and just the right amount of freshness to the table, complementing everything from grilled fish to barbecued beef. After all, the best barbecues are remembered not only for what came off the grill, but for everything served alongside it.
What desserts suit a barbecue evening?
BBQ puddings should be the kind that can be eaten standing up, glass in hand, as the evening cools. Our Patisserie range offers something for every taste, from the rich and chocolatey to the light and fruit-led, while our Puddings selection, including the Williams Pear & Dark Chocolate Tart, brings a touch of proper restaurant finish to the garden table. For something to pass round with coffee, our Chocolate & Confectionery range, including the Casspea Hand-Painted Chocolates, adds a little elegance to an otherwise smoky affair.