British summer has arrived ladies and gentlemen, and it's time to break out your barbecues! Whilst other parts of the world are spoiled by lengthy spells of hot weather, the British summer is often fleeting, which means we're forced to pack in as much barbecue time as possible before the clouds roll in for another winter.
What is it that is so special about barbecue, though? Aside from the primal joy of cooking over a live fire and the fun of being outside in the sunshine, a good barbecue gives you unparalleled control over your cooking; it's the best way to grill a steak or a piece of chicken of course, but you can also smoke, slow-roast and cook things right in the embers themselves. Cooking over charcoal imbues your food with a wonderful aroma of smoke, that really elevates many dishes to another level of deliciousness.
If you're planning on having a few family and friends over for a barbecue day, and you're looking for some jaw-dropping dishes to wow them with, you've come to the right place. Just below, you'll find eight of our absolutely favourite barbecue recipes – the ones we really couldn't live without – as well as loads of other barbecue ideas, from vegetarian recipes to sides, salads and sauces. Enjoy!