Revealed: Nottingham locals' secret summer BBQ party wishes
A new nationwide survey has revealed what Nottingham residents secretly want from summer BBQs, and it turns out burgers, bangers and some beats aren’t cutting it anymore.
The survey of 2,000 UK adults, which was commissioned by housebuilder Avant Homes East Midlands, found that half of people living in Nottingham said BBQs are the best type of party to attend.
With an estimated 22.7 million UK households having access to a garden*, millions of BBQs will be sizzling across the country over the course of this summer and the pressure is on for hosts to deliver.
But, despite their huge popularity, four in ten (46 per cent) think most BBQs could do with a serious upgrade, calling for party themes, better entertainment, outdoor games and unusual food options.
Hosting is heating up
The survey revealed a clear shift in what people in Nottingham expect from a great BBQ gathering. Hosting one is no longer just about putting on a few sausages and hoping for sunshine.
It’s about creating an experience, with over a quarter of people (28 per cent) saying the entertainment at a BBQ is more important than the food itself.
Party on
When asked what party theme they secretly hoped for at BBQs they attend, nearly a third of Nottingham residents (29 per cent) crowned beach parties as the number one choice.
In second place, just over one in four (27 per cent) wanted a British street party theme, while 23 per cent wanted a classic American cookout.
That’s entertainment
When it comes to live entertainment, a quarter of Nottingham residents (26 per cent) secretly want to turn up to a BBQ where karaoke is on offer, whilst one in four (25 per cent) hoped for a good laugh with a comedian.
In third place on the secret wish list was a celebrity impersonator, with 16 per cent hoping for some A-list impressions to go with their hot dogs.
Game changer
When it comes to outdoor games, three-quarters of people living in Nottingham secretly want to find some are available to play at BBQs they attend.
Generational favourite swing ball (32 per cent) was the most wanted game, followed by giant Jenga and giant Connect 4, both with 29 per cent.
Beyond the burgers
Food, of course, remains central to the BBQ experience, but guests are becoming more adventurous and there’s a growing appetite for the unusual.
While traditional staples still have their place, the survey found that many Nottingham locals secretly want to try more adventurous options.
Wild boar (23 per cent), buffalo (21 per cent) and ostrich (18 per cent) emerged at the top of guests’ lists of unusual meats they would secretly like to try, suggesting hosts might want to re-think the usual offerings.
Vegetable and fruit choices for BBQs are evolving too with those in Nottingham revealing their secret cravings. Sweet potato was wanted by just under three in ten people (27 per cent) followed by avocado (21 per cent) and leeks (17 per cent).
Fresh ideas
Commenting on the findings, Avant Homes group marketing manager, Louise Lawrence Flynn, said, “BBQ parties have long been a hugely popular staple of a British summer, but our research shows expectations are clearly evolving.
“People want more than just good food, they’re looking for memorable experiences, playful entertainment, out of the ordinary food and need spaces that work for hosting.
“As a housebuilder, we create homes that provide people with the indoor and outdoor space to enjoy entertaining and to create wonderful memories. We hope our survey provides people with some fresh and fun ideas to make their summer BBQ parties an unforgettable experience for all who attend.”
For more information on Avant Homes visit www.avanthomes.co.uk