Outdoor living is on the rise in the UK, with homeowners transforming gardens into year round spaces. From modular kitchens to Egg BBQ’s, stylish, functional outdoor kitchens are redefining alfresco entertaining.
Once an indulgence reserved for Mediterranean climates, outdoor kitchens are fast becoming a staple in British gardens. With homeowners increasingly prioritising their outdoor spaces for relaxation and entertaining, the concept of an external living area is flourishing. Gone are the days when courageous souls would huddle under an umbrella over a barbecue in the pursuit of a burned sausage. Today’s outdoor kitchens are fully functional spaces designed to be used year-round. According to a survey by the consumer magazine Which?, 20% of UK homeowners now have an outdoor kitchen. This may seem surprising given the weather in this fair isle, however, changing lifestyles, global warming and a growing appreciation for alfresco dining has altered perceptions.
The pandemic also contributed to this shift, with many of us rediscovering the joys of home entertaining and the importance of versatile living spaces. Additionally, a beautifully appointed outdoor kitchen can add significant value to a property. Whether it’s for casual family meals or sophisticated garden parties. In fact, they are as much about style as they are about function.
Outdoor kitchens can be anything you want them to be, ranging from simple setups - such as a butler sink, worktops, and open shelving - to elaborate spaces that easily rival
their indoor counterparts. Modular kitchen options have made it easier than ever to create bespoke spaces tailored to individual needs, whether it’s for casual family meals or sophisticated garden parties. In fact, they are as much about style as they are about function.
Upmarket materials such as natural stone, sleek stainless steel and reclaimed wood or brick, lend an elegant, seamless feel between indoor and outdoor areas.
The growing popularity of biophilic design, which focuses on bringing nature into living spaces, has made outdoor kitchens an attractive way to integrate greenery into daily life.
Many designs now incorporate landscaping features, such as herb gardens, living walls and water features, which serve to enhance the overall sensory experience.
One of the biggest considerations for an outdoor kitchen is the question of what to cook on. Key elements typically include a built-in gas grill, wood-fired pizza oven and even full-scale range cookers, and in recent years, the stylish Big Green Egg ceramic barbecue has become extremely popular. Inspired by an Asian clay oven called a kamado, the Big Green Egg was voted the Good Housekeeping Institute’s highest ever rated outdoor cooker, last year. The product launched in 1974, so it’s certainly no new kid on the block, but it’s now valued for its unique design, ceramic construction, temperature regulation and the fact that it can grill, roast, smoke and slow cook. You can even bake in it.
Wood-fired ovens also make attractive focal points in an outdoor kitchen, and who doesn’t love pizza night? Easy to fire up, easy to clean and fun to gather around, they are firm family favourites and great for parties.
Other elements to consider include a dedicated sink and prep area to make cooking efficient and enjoyable. Whether you’re rinsing fresh produce, washing up or filling a pan with water, having easy access to a sink eliminates the need for constant trips indoors.
A butler sink is an excellent choice, offering both durability and practicality; opt for a deep, weather-resistant sink paired with a robust outdoor tap to handle the elements. If plumbing isn’t an option, consider a simple gravity-fed system or an outdoor water storage solution for added convenience. And of course, outdoor cooking is far more enjoyable when everything you need is close at hand. Weatherproof cabinetry, drawers and shelving help keep utensils, cookware and condiments organised while protecting them from the elements. Materials such as stainless steel, teak or high-quality composite offer durability and a sleek aesthetic. To maintain a clutter-free space, integrate smart storage solutions such as pull-out bins, spice racks and concealed compartments for gas canisters or charcoal.
A bar area can also add an element of fun, with ledges for your guests’ drinks and nibbles, and bar stools for them to sit on and interact with the chef, as they conjure up yet another gourmet delight. To that end, an outdoor fridge is also a game-changer for not just entertaining but also meal prep, allowing you to keep drinks cool and ingredients fresh without dashing back indoors. Compact under counter models, or stylish freestanding units can be tucked into cabinetry to blend seamlessly with the kitchen design.
The UK’s unpredictable weather means that a well-designed outdoor kitchen should also include shelter and heating options to maximise its usability throughout the year. A pergola or retractable awning provides shade in the summer and protection from unexpected showers, while waterproof side panels or windbreaks can offer extra insulation. Patio heaters, Instagram-friendly fire-pits, and even heated flooring helps to keep the space warm, making outdoor dining enjoyable, even in the cooler months. Infrared heaters or bioethanol fire tables offer stylish and efficient heating solutions without the need for bulky gas canisters.
Creating an outdoor cooking space in the UK is about more than just installing a
barbecue - it’s about designing a practical and inviting area that suits your lifestyle. It can enable you to host large gatherings or smaller dinner parties in the fresh air without feeling crowded, chaotic or uncomfortable. By incorporating a signature cooker, smart storage, reliable sink, weatherproof refrigeration and thoughtful heating solutions, an outdoor kitchen can revolutionise your life, and become a useful extension to your home, no matter the season.
Ready to add an outdoor kitchen to your garden?
Take the first step by contacting us at
studio@treowe.co.uk.
0 comments