Barbe-nicking – A new trend to sweep Britain?

A new trend is set to sweep the UK this summer - ‘barbe-nicking’- a combination of barbecuing and picnicking as Brits combine two of our nation’s favourite credit crunching, al fresco activities, according to research – bringing a new element to the staycation.

Research by British frozen food manufacturer, Dalepak into Brits’ favourite alfresco activities revealed that barbecuing (47%) and picnicking (one in five) came top of other ‘outdoorsy’ credit crunching activities including rambling/ dog walking (18%), cycling (8%) and gardening (5%).

As the era of the staycation is upon us and a potential of 41 million people (68%) in the UK set to have a bbq or picnic this summer, Dalepak is encouraging the nation to merge our two favourite activities, barbecuing and picnicking, and embrace the era of ‘barbe-nicking’. A picnic rug, bbq and a few friends, plus of course the nations favourite bbq food, voted as burgers (38%) and sausages (one in three), are all the ingredients required.

The survey results prompted a search for the UK’s top ten barbe-nicking destinations, based on picturesque areas with facilities for picnicking and bbq options. The results are;

Black Rock Sands Beach, Near Porthmadog, North Wales
This wide sandy beach with a rocky headland just two miles from Porthmadog is perfect for a beach picnic. Disposable bbqs are allowed on the beach, but remember to use the bins provided to dispose of all your rubbish and make sure bbqs are properly extinguished.

Studland Beach and Nature Reserve, Swanage, Dorset
Enjoy glorious sandy beaches stretching for three miles and a haven for rare birds and other native wildlife. Barbecue areas are located at Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach. Disposable/portable bbqs are welcome and bricks are provided to raise them off the ground.

Tyne Green Country Park, Hexham, Northumberland
This picturesque wooded setting is near to the river with a children's play area and dedicated picnic area. Portable/ disposable bbqs are welcome.

Wicksteed Park, Kettering, Northamptonshire
Wicksteed Park in Kettering is an English Heritage Grade II listed park and garden, with rides and attractions for all the family. Disposable/ portable bbqs can be used responsibly in the top field.

Beecraigs Country Park, West Lothian, Scotland
A one thousand-acre Country Park offering a wide range of recreational opportunities including trout fishery, deer attraction, orienteering, canoeing, woodland walks and a picnic areas. Portable/ disposable bbqs not allowed, but bbq sites can be booked through the park.

Newbold Comyn, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
An extensive park, with over 300 acres, providing space for informal recreation, sport and wildlife. The picnic area has free bbqs, just remember to take your own charcoal.

Eastville Park, Eastville, Bristol
A grand Victorian city park well known for its splendid lake surrounded by wildlife areas. Portable bbqs are allowed as long as they are raised off the ground and put out with a bucket of water.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Waterlooville, Hampshire
Hampshire’s biggest country park with 20 miles of trails. Eleven family bbqs and four party bbqs for up to 40 people are available to hire. Portable bbqs not allowed.

Lepe Country Park, Exbury, Southampton
Set in the New Forest National Park, with views of the Solent. Portable bbqs not allowed, but two bbq sites are for hire throughout the day for groups of up to 60 people with a picnic tables. Contact the park office to book a site.

My back garden/ yard

What to do whilst barbe-nicking?

The survey revealed that many families (one in ten) are turning to traditional games for outdoor entertainment such as bat and ball, as well as egg and spoon races, frisbee and boules, whilst the majority see a bbq/picnic as the perfect time to catch up on news with friends and family (72%).

What to eat at a barbe-nic?

When looking into barbe-nic food, easy to prepare, low cost food came top, with the humble burger (38%) was chosen as the British favourite, just beating the banger (one in three), while fish dishes (18%) and salads came low on the barbe-nic menu with just 9% of the votes.

Spokesperson from Dalepak, Anne Claypole, commented, “Not surprisingly, the barbe-nic is an activity born out of the credit crunch, as we are all looking for low cost activities to enjoy over the summer holidays. All that’s needed is a picnic rug, a portable bbq or bbq pit available in some local parks, some easy to prepare food, and of course, family and friends.

“This year we have seen a high demand for our credit-busting burgers and sausages which cost around a pound a pack, which are perfect for a barbe-nic at one of the locations in our top ten around the British Isles or even in your back garden.”

Join the Facebook group, ‘Lets have a barbe-nic’ to add your favourite barbe-nic stories.