As we wave goodbye to winter's cool tendrils, the warmer weather spells the start of the outdoor dining season.
To help you make the most of the sunshine, we asked some of our in-house experts here at The House of Bruar for their top tips for enjoying barbecue and picnic cuisine. From the best foods to enjoy to completing the outdoor dining experience, find out how to put on a delicious al fresco spread for your guests.
How to choose the right cut of meat for your barbecue
Here at The House of Bruar, our award-winning meat counter, The Butchery, has received numerous prestigious accolades for its exquisite cuts of meat and succulent delicacies. To help you find the perfect piece for the grill, our Master Butcher Kevin Lawson has given some expert advice on what to look for.
“Steak is an obvious crowd-pleaser for any barbecue, but choosing the right cut can make all the difference. I’d always recommend Aberdeen Angus beef as it has an even fat distribution, which gives a beautiful marbling which keeps the meat moist and flavourful when it’s on the grill,” recommends Lawson.
For the cut, look for a larger piece as it has a greater surface area to create a good sear. “A Tomahawk steak is a brilliant choice as you can achieve wonderful grill marks on the outside. As it’s quite thick, you will need to cook it on a low heat for longer to make sure the inside is up to temperature but still succulent,” Lawson advises.
You can also enjoy a Scottish-inspired outdoor banquet by selecting some of the country’s finest produce. Lawson says: “To bring a taste of Scotland to your barbecue, haggis skewers, venison burgers, and Lorne sausage are truly a treat. Lorne is traditionally served at breakfast, but enjoying it in a soft bread roll makes a lovely alternative to your usual beef burger – just be sure to grill it in a foil tray to help it keep its shape.”
While the food is the star of any barbecue, there are a few other key things to consider ahead of grilling day. From firing up your grill to how to prepare your food safely, discover our guide to barbecuing here.
Our tips for perfect picnic food
If you’re looking to swap the barbecue for a hamper full of homemade delicacies, settling down for a picnic to enjoy the fresh Scottish air may be more to your taste.
An abundance of scenic destinations in Scotland means that you are never too far away from a picturesque picnic opportunity; take a trip to the verdant landscapes of the Trossachs National Park, hike up the peaks at Loch Lomond, or simply set up in your garden to enjoy your home comforts.
To transform a simple meal into a truly memorable fine-dining experience in the great outdoors, our Foodhall Assistant Buyer Megan McAllister has provided her best recommendations for what to pack in your picnic hamper. Of course, starting with a beautiful wicker picnic basket is a must.
“For casual afternoons, I’d recommend all the classics: quiches, hearty pies, and Scotch eggs. These can be purchased ready-to-eat and are convenient for packaging up and taking with you. Also, our Scotch pies are a particular crowd favourite and are our most popular picnic food here at the House of Bruar Delicatessen,” suggests Megan.
“On the other hand, you might want to try something a little more indulgent. Special occasions call for mouth-watering treats like sliced charcuterie meats, smoked fish, and patés and palate cleansers like olives and nuts.”
“While it might not be practical to pack an entire cheeseboard for your picnic, you can always select a few of your favourite cheeses to pair with your other nibbles. Red Angster is a fresh, crumbly option; it’s one of our most-sold cheeses and pairs beautifully with some crusty bread.”
Megan also offers a few words of advice for safety while you picnic: “The most important thing is that you take precautions when packing your picnic – as you might be travelling for a while to reach your picnic spot and food will spoil the longer it is out of the fridge.”
“It’s crucial that you keep your food at a safe temperature, especially in the warmer months. Use insulated food storage containers and ice packs to keep your ingredients out of the temperature danger zone, which is between 5-60 degrees,” Megan advises.
Take a look at our guide to picnicking for more information and tips on enjoying a delicious day out.
How to complete your al fresco dining experience
Drinks
Image by Rick Barrett from unsplash
Whether you plan to enjoy delectable food from your garden or in a national park, don’t forget to plan your drink of choice to accompany your meal. For adults, a cocktail makes for an indulgent treat that can be made in advance for picnics or in front of your barbecue guests to impress.
What better beverage of choice than the lifeblood of Scotland? Martin Homola, Whisky Shop Manager here at The House of Bruar, explains how to incorporate whisky into an indulgent summer refreshment.
“An Old Fashioned is a wonderful way to enjoy whisky with a twist. Angostura bitters and orange turn this into an invigorating beverage that can be enjoyed at any festive occasion,” tells Martin. “The key to a great Old Fashioned is to use a fine Scotch, of which King Charles is known to be a big fan.”
Gin is a classic and versatile choice if whisky isn’t to your taste. “Stir up a martini to enjoy as you soak up the sunny weather outside. Another one of King Charles’ preferred drinks, it would also suit more formal occasions and parties. Made of just two main ingredients – gin and vermouth – it’s incredibly simple but a quintessential cocktail that should be part of any home mixologist’s repertoire,” says Martin.
Discover more recommendations and recipes for summer cocktails to try here.
Setting the scene
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While the food often takes centre stage at any barbecue or picnic in the garden, accessorising your outdoor space will help to create a welcoming and jovial atmosphere for your guests. Our Textile, Gift and Homeware Buyer Lorna Miekle gives us their expert advice on how you can set the table for al fresco dining.
“A quick and easy way to add a touch of style is with a colourful tablecloth or table runner,” says Lorna. “Investing in a quality 100% cotton tablecloth is an investment as you can use it for a number of occasions and it will last you for a long time too.”
“If you’re putting on a spread, decorative serveware like serving dishes and trays make excellent centrepieces and can help to make your food look even more delicious.”
Lorna says: “To fill in any empty space, lay your serving dishes on placemats and set napkins out for your guests to help themselves to. Tablescapes have the biggest impact when your spread is filled with plenty of decorations and accessories to add visual intrigue.”
“Out of all our outdoor and garden accessories, picnic blankets were our most-sold item in summer 2022. They’re a classic piece essential for dining in the great outdoors — whether that’s in your garden or a national park. We expect they’ll be popular again this year, especially when the weather warms up.”
Dressing for the occasion
Discover the perfect summertime ensemble for any outdoor dining event. If you’re hosting or attending an al fresco event, our spring collection combines exquisite natural fibres with the latest colourful designs. Find luxurious linen pieces that are beautifully breathable, or select from our Liberty edit; quintessentially British brand is known worldwide for its fresh and floral prints, which we’ve brought to life in a range of delicate shirts, flowing skirts, and elegant dresses.
Discover our full range of picks for what to wear to a barbecue or picnic here.
Explore more ladies’ and menswear, barbecue and outdoor living items or browse our Food Hall at The House of Bruar.
