Outdoor cooking in the UK has moved far beyond disposable trays and last-minute summer burgers. Over the past few years, there’s been a culinary and cultural shift. Brits are embracing BBQ culture like never before, transforming patios and gardens into fully equipped, all-weather alfresco kitchens. In 2025, that momentum has only grown stronger, fuelled by the desire to spend more time outdoors, entertain from home, and explore international flavours in our own backyards.
Whether you’re a weekend grilling enthusiast or looking to revamp your outdoor space into a serious cook zone, understanding the latest trends can help you build a BBQ area that’s stylish, practical, and packed with flavour. Here’s a deep dive into the biggest BBQ movements shaping UK gardens this year.
Outdoor Kitchens: The New Heart of the Garden
One of the most significant changes in 2025 is the rise of the outdoor kitchen. Gone are the days of wheeling out a rusty barbecue from the shed; now, it’s about creating a purpose-built space that functions like your indoor kitchen—only better. Outdoor kitchens typically include built-in BBQs, countertop space, storage cabinets, sinks, lighting, and sometimes even fridges or pizza ovens.
This trend is about more than luxury—it reflects a growing desire to make the most of our outdoor areas year-round. Thanks to new weatherproof materials like stainless steel cabinetry, composite worktops, and high-performance porcelain paving, these kitchens are built to withstand the British climate while still looking sleek and stylish. People are even investing in pergolas with retractable roofs or louvred panels to protect the cooking area from rain, meaning BBQ season can now last 12 months a year.
At Barton Supplies, we’re seeing a surge in interest in modular outdoor kitchen systems—flexible setups that allow homeowners to build out their space piece by piece. Whether you start with just a built-in grill and prep area, or go all-in with a full suite, the key is creating a seamless blend of utility and comfort.
Global Flavours on the Grill
As food culture becomes increasingly global, UK grillers are expanding their horizons. The BBQ scene in 2025 is dominated by international influences, with home cooks drawing inspiration from Korean, Japanese, Mexican, and Middle Eastern cuisines. It’s no longer just about burgers and sausages—now it’s gochujang-glazed short ribs, grilled halloumi with harissa, or skewers of yakitori cooked over charcoal.
This international influence has also changed the tools we use. Flat-top grills (known as planchas), rotisserie kits, smokers, and even Japanese-style konro grills are becoming more common in UK gardens. These accessories allow for more versatility and precision in cooking—whether you’re smoking a brisket low and slow or searing scallops at high heat.
With this shift has come a rise in BBQ rubs, marinades, and sauces from small UK producers. At Barton Supplies, we stock a curated range of spices and sauces that help bring world flavours to your garden grill setup. Trying a new recipe or technique can be the perfect way to elevate a summer gathering—or just spice up a quiet Wednesday dinner.
Smarter BBQs: Technology Meets Flame
We’re in a golden age of grilling innovation. Today’s BBQs are smarter, safer, and more connected than ever. In 2025, it’s not unusual to see barbecues equipped with digital temperature probes, Bluetooth connectivity, and even full smartphone integration. You can monitor a rack of ribs while inside watching the match or get alerts on your phone when your steak hits medium-rare perfection.
Pellet grills have especially risen in popularity. These devices use compressed wood pellets to maintain an even, controlled heat, and they offer flavourful results with very little effort. Brands like Traeger and Weber continue to innovate, and their app-connected models are gaining traction in the UK. These grills appeal to both tech-savvy homeowners and those who want hands-off consistency with restaurant-quality results.
For those who prefer traditional methods, classic charcoal isn’t going anywhere—but even that has had an upgrade. Natural lump charcoal, coconut shell briquettes, and other eco-friendly fuels are making waves for their cleaner burn and lower environmental impact. For environmentally minded customers, we recommend sustainable UK-made charcoal brands that partner with local forestry initiatives.
Design-Led BBQ Spaces: From Rustic to Industrial
Design now plays a huge role in how we BBQ. Just as interior design trends guide our choices indoors, outdoor spaces are following similar aesthetics. In 2025, we’re seeing a few distinct styles emerge for BBQ zones:
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Rustic Natural: Think reclaimed wood, stone walls, cast iron fire pits, and woven seating. This style embraces an earthy, grounded vibe that blends beautifully with green spaces.
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Modern Minimalist: Clean lines, concrete, black steel, and integrated lighting. Modern BBQ areas often double as outdoor lounges, with long benches, planters, and sleek fire tables.
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Industrial Chic: Exposed metalwork, weathered timber, and urban textures give a hard-edged, contemporary feel. Paired with Edison bulbs or corrugated roofing, this look is popular in smaller city gardens.
Barton Supplies partners with outdoor furniture and BBQ brands that understand how important style is. Whether you’re working with a compact balcony or a spacious lawn, the right design can help you make the most of your space—and your grill.
Sustainability & Conscious Cooking
In 2025, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a guiding principle. The way we cook outdoors is becoming more thoughtful, with growing interest in low-impact materials, locally sourced produce, and planet-friendly fuels.
Many modern BBQs are being manufactured using recyclable metals and plastics, and some companies now offer modular components you can replace individually—extending the product lifespan and reducing waste. Cooking with sustainably sourced charcoal or electric grills powered by green energy also helps reduce your overall carbon footprint.
Additionally, UK consumers are getting more eco-conscious about the food itself. Nose-to-tail butchery, plant-based BBQ dishes, and reduced-waste meal planning are trends gaining momentum. BBQs are increasingly becoming about sharing slow, intentional meals rather than quick grilling sessions, and the appliances we choose play a role in that philosophy.
At Barton Supplies, we support the shift towards greener BBQing by sourcing eco-conscious products and partnering with brands committed to ethical manufacturing and sustainability.
The Social Side: BBQs as Community Builders
Post-pandemic life reminded many of us of the joy of gathering with friends and neighbours. BBQs have become a vital part of that reconnection—offering a way to bring people together in a relaxed, open-air environment. In 2025, social cooking is more popular than ever.
From weekend family get-togethers to neighbourhood pizza nights or firepit evenings with toasted marshmallows, the BBQ is increasingly a community hub. We’re seeing more interest in multi-zone cooking stations, long communal tables, and comfortable outdoor seating setups—all of which support social, connected entertaining.
For families, BBQs offer a fun, engaging way to cook with kids. Teaching little ones how to safely grill, prep veggies, or assemble kebabs not only makes dinner fun—it passes on a valuable life skill. Barton Supplies is here to help you turn your outdoor area into a warm, welcoming space for guests of all ages.
Final Thoughts: Your Best BBQ Season Starts Now
Whether you’re planning a full-blown outdoor kitchen, adding a new grill to your garden, or just want to elevate your burger game, 2025 is the perfect year to rethink how you BBQ. The trends we’re seeing—smarter appliances, global flavours, and design-led spaces—aren’t just about looks or luxury. They’re about building a lifestyle around food, connection, and time outdoors.
At Barton Supplies, we’re passionate about helping UK homeowners find the right tools and inspiration to bring their BBQ dreams to life. From premium gas grills to handmade charcoal smokers, from sustainable fuels to stylish accessories, we’ve got everything you need to take your outdoor cooking to the next level.
Come visit our [showroom] or explore our full BBQ range online. Let’s fire things up this summer—and all year long.