BBQ Like a Pro with James Strawbridge

Thanks to our old friend; Cornish chef, food photographer, and writer James Strawbridge; summer's about to get a whole lot tastier. Whether you're planning weekend feasts, laid-back midweek suppers, or spontaneous drinks as the sun dips low, James shares his secrets to turning every garden get-together into a stylish, relaxed occasion. From effortless drinks to show-stopping salads and magical alfresco vibes, get ready to entertain with ease and flair.

James says,
"When the sun’s out, there’s no better way to spend time than around the barbecue with good food, great company, and a relaxed vibe. Here are my top five tips to help you make the most of your garden gatherings this summer."

1. Ice, Ice Baby – Keep Your Drinks Cold
There’s nothing better than a cold drink at a hot barbecue. I always start by filling a big drinks bucket with ice and loading it up with a mix of goodies—think soft drinks for the kids, tonic water, a chilled rosé, a few bottles of sparkling cider, and some cold beers. It’s easy, looks great, and keeps the vibe informal. Let your guests help themselves, and you’ll keep the host stress levels low too.

2. Brew Up Some Floral Sun Tea
This one’s a lovely little touch. Grab a big glass water dispenser and make your own floral sun tea. I like to pick edible flowers from the garden—fennel, calendula, nasturtiums, borage, meadowsweet, lavender—and chuck in some lemon slices and a handful of fresh mint. Just leave it out in the sunshine to infuse and serve it over ice. It’s refreshing, fragrant, and makes a great non-alcoholic option.

3. Be Bold with the BBQ – Go Beyond Burgers
Sure, sausages and burgers are classics—but don’t stop there. A nice fillet of salmon cooked skin-side down on the grill is a total game-changer. You can also offer kofte kebabs, steaks, or halloumi skewers. One of my favourite tricks is laying out all the raw ingredients and letting people cook their own over the hot coals (with a little supervision and gentle guidance). It turns the barbecue into a fun, social experience rather than a one-man cooking marathon.

4. Give Your Salads a Level-Up
No one gets excited about a bowl of limp lettuce, but you can make salads the star of the show. Try chargrilling courgette ribbons, blistering some vine tomatoes, and tossing them with torn basil, mozzarella, and a drizzle of cold-pressed oil. Add some grilled peaches or figs if you fancy something a bit special. Fresh, smoky, and colourful—it’s salad but elevated.

5. Set the Scene – Alfresco Living
Bring a bit of indoors-outdoors magic to your barbecue setup. I love setting the table with proper napkins, beautiful crockery, jam jars of wildflowers, and even some comfy poofs or cushions to lounge on. A string of fairy lights or some soft outdoor lamps can totally transform the garden into a welcoming space where people want to linger long after the sun’s gone down.

Enjoy the summer, cook up a storm, and keep things relaxed. The best barbecues are all about flavour, fun, and friends. Cheers!