BBQ cooking is often treated as something complicated. And it can be overwhelming. Too many tools, too many techniques, too much to manage at once, especially if you’ve invited guests.
In reality, it comes down to a few well-handled ingredients and a steady approach.
With National BBQ Week (25-31 May 2026) approaching, it’s a good time to keep things simple and focus on what matters.
Start with the right meats
The quality of the meat sets the direction for your barbecue. Choose cuts that respond well to heat and benefit from careful preparation. A steak with good marbling is ideal for even cooking. Sausages made with balanced seasoning and proper fat content are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Burgers that hold their shape and texture on the grill.
At Blacker Hall Farm, our meat is reared on the farm and prepared by our in-house butchery team. That control means each cut is consistent and ready for the barbecue.
Here are some of our top picks from the butcher’s counter:
Lamb Spatchcock
Chicken Shawarma Sharing Kebab
Surf and Turf Skewers
If you’re looking for a good selection, our Barbecue Box has a range of our bestsellers.
Preparation makes the difference
A small amount of preparation goes a long way. Take meat out of the fridge ahead of cooking so it comes to room temperature. Season simply. Salt and pepper are often enough to let the flavours of the meat shine through.
If you’re marinating, keep it balanced. The aim is to support the meat, not mask it.
Control the heat and manage your time
A steady heat is more important than a high one.
Create two areas on your barbecue; a hotter side for searing and a cooler side for finishing.
This gives you control. You can start a steak over higher heat, then move it across to cook through more gently. Cooking everything over one intense heat often leads to uneven results and creates issues with timing.
One of the most common mistakes is rushing. Meat needs time to cook properly, and just as importantly, time to rest afterwards.
Resting allows the juices to settle, improving both texture and flavour. Even a few minutes makes a difference.
Keep it simple
A good barbecue doesn’t need to be overloaded. A small selection of well-prepared food is easier to manage and gives better results than trying to cook too much at once. Focus on a few reliable meats, simple sides and delicious bread.
BBQs can often bring a lot of pressure, especially around Bank Holidays and occasions. But it doesn’t need to be that way.
When the ingredients are well sourced and properly prepared, the process becomes more straightforward. You can focus on cooking steadily rather than correcting mistakes and rushing.
When ingredients are in season, they need less doing to them. Flavours are fuller. Cooking becomes more straightforward. A good cut of meat, fresh vegetables harvested at the right time and ingredients that have not travelled unnecessarily far bring enough to the plate.
Each week, Reward Card customers spending £30 or more in The Farm Shop will receive a complimentary seasonal treat, a little something extra to enjoy alongside your usual shop.
Sometimes it’s simply about choosing something that feels considered. Good food, properly prepared, and a bit of time spent together.