Barbecue cooking is one of the most popular leisure time activities - not just because a barbecue is a social occasion, but also because it‘s so easy to do. As soon as the first rays of spring sunshine appear, we head straight into the garage, get out the grill, dust it off and get it ready for outdoor eating season. Before long we’re planning the first barbecue and thinking about where to hold it, especially if we don’t have our own garden, a spacious balcony or a patio. Here are some ideas...

A waterside barbecue. What could be better than a dip in the water to cool off between courses at an informal barbecue event?  Lakes, streams and rivers are the perfect places to combine sizzling hot food with cool refreshment. It’s a good idea to so some pre-barbecue research because if barbecues aren’t permitted at your selected location, you may face a hefty fine. These days, some lakes have established barbecue sites. All you have to do is bring your own food and charcoal and use the existing facilities. And if there aren’t any barbecue sites, simply take along a portable model that can be folded away with the hot charcoal inside it when you’ve finished so that you can dispose of it when you get home.

In the park. Barbecues are permitted in some city parks and woods. The city websites usually list the places where barbecues are allowed. Obviously, you have to be mindful of the environment when you barbecue in a public place. Most parks and woods have ash bins where you can dispose of your used charcoal. Don't forget to leave the area tidy and clean for the next people to use it and so that the city authority doesn't change its mind and ban barbecues in public places. Another advantage of barbecues in green spaces such as meadows and fields is that they aren’t just great barbecue locations, but also perfect for a game of badminton or Frisbee. Many public barbecue sites also have climbing frames, sandpits and other play equipment to keep the kids amused.

After-work barbecues are a great way to wind down

When you’ve had a hard week at work, you probably won't feel like driving into the countryside for a barbecue, even though you wouldn’t mind sitting outside, enjoying the late afternoon sunshine. What about an after-work barbecue party, then? Check if you need to obtain your landlord's or boss’s permission, but other than that you need very little: a suitable barbecue, a few spontaneous and helpful colleagues who are willing to bring along salads, meat and other barbecue foods, somebody to stand at the grill and a nice spot for everyone to sit - a balcony, roof-top patio, office garden, courtyard or a nearby car park. The main objective is to spend a fun evening with your colleagues after a hard day’s work. Try it out! With a little teamwork it’s bound to be a success!