Ideas. Builds. BBQ know-how.

Plan an Outdoor Kitchen That Actually Gets Used

Practical UK-friendly guides for choosing the layout, materials, planning checks, lighting, BBQ setup and recipes that make outdoor cooking easier.

Start with the guide

See BBQ recipes

The Outdoor Kitchen Guide helps you move from inspiration to a sensible plan: what to build, where it can go, which materials survive British weather, how to light it, and what to cook once it is ready.

Start here

Build the plan in the right order

These are the cornerstone guides to read before buying a grill island, booking trades, or ordering materials.

01Start with the complete guideGet the big picture first: layout, workflow, budget, services, safety and the choices that shape the whole build.

02Check the rules earlyUnderstand when roofs, height, boundaries, listed homes or protected areas might mean you should ask before building.

03Choose weather-ready materialsCompare cabinets, worktops, cladding and paving that can handle rain, frost, grease, heat and regular cleaning.

04Make a small space workPlan a compact terrace, courtyard or patio kitchen with edited appliances, useful prep space and smart storage.

Choose your route

What are you trying to solve today?

InspirationBrowse outdoor kitchen ideasSee finishes, layouts and garden setups before you decide what style of kitchen feels right.

LightingMake the space work after darkPlan task, ambient and accent lighting so cooking, serving and sitting outside all feel comfortable.

BBQ choicePick the right cooking setupCompare gas, charcoal, pellet, electric and kamado options before you lock in the layout.

GearChoose equipment with confidenceLook at grills, tools and outdoor kitchen accessories before spending money on kit you may not need.

Weekend cooking

Use the kitchen, not just the moodboard

Pick a recipe, check the grill setup notes, and make the outdoor kitchen earn its space.

See BBQ recipes

Sticky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Cider Glaze

Classic British Steak Burgers with Cheddar & Onions

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Herb Butter

Minted Lamb Kebabs with Yogurt & Cucumber

Before you buy

A good outdoor kitchen is a workflow, not just a grill

Think through fuel type, heat clearances, ventilation, worktop durability, storage, lighting, weather cover and how food moves from prep to cooking to serving.

Compare BBQ types

Plan lighting

Keep exploring

More useful next steps

Planning permission checklist

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