Al fresco dining and cooking are finally having their moment in the UK. Perhaps it’s thanks to the glorious summer we’ve just enjoyed, or the growing trend for staycations as the cost (and not to mention hassle) of travelling abroad climbs. Maybe it’s simply that we’re learning to savour the pleasure of spending more time in our gardens. Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: outdoor kitchens are on the rise in Blighty — and even making regular appearances on our TV screens.
From Jamie Oliver’s rustic Jamie at Home, where he cooks with ingredients straight from his garden, to the smoky spectacle of Tom Kerridge Barbecues, celebrating the bold flavours of fire cooking, and James Martin’s much-loved Saturday Kitchen and Home Comforts at the Farm, where seasonal produce takes centre stage, TV chefs have made their outdoor kitchens the star of the show. These programmes bring the garden kitchen from aspirational to accessible, showing how enjoyable and authentic the experience can be — even under British skies.
As a garden furniture company specialising in outdoor dining tables, we’ve seen how outdoor kitchens and cooking have grown in popularity across the country. But how practical are they in our famously unpredictable British weather? Let’s explore the benefits, challenges, and design possibilities to help you decide whether investing in a new outdoor kitchen is right for your home.
What is an Outdoor Kitchen?
An outdoor kitchen is essentially a fully functioning cooking area designed for the garden. Unlike a simple barbecue setup, it typically includes built-in grills, kitchen islands, prep areas, storage, and even sinks, refrigerators, or built-in pizza ovens. Think of it as your indoor kitchen, just brought outdoors and designed to withstand the elements.
These outdoor spaces are about more than just food preparation — they’re designed to create a stylish, social hub where family and friends can gather, enjoying time together while cooking and dining under the open sky.
Why the Outdoor Kitchen UK Trend is Growing
In recent years, we’ve seen a dramatic rise in UK outdoor kitchens.
Several factors are driving this trend:
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Al fresco cooking culture
Inspired by Mediterranean living, more people in the UK are embracing the joy of cooking and dining outdoors. -
Garden investment
Homeowners increasingly want to enhance their gardens, turning them into year-round entertaining spaces. -
Improved designs
The introduction of modular outdoor kitchens and weather-resistant materials makes it easier than ever to install a dream outdoor kitchen in the UK.
With more options available, from premium outdoor kitchens to simple modular units, there’s now a solution to suit every garden and budget.
Is an Outdoor Kitchen Worth It in the UK Climate?
The question “is an outdoor kitchen worth it in the UK?” is coming up on a surprisingly regular basis. And the answer depends on your lifestyle, your garden, and your expectations.
The Benefits
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Entertaining outdoors
A well-designed outdoor kitchen turns your patio or garden into an inviting social space. -
Cooking convenience
No more running back and forth between indoors and outdoors; everything you need is right there. -
Increased home value
A stylish outdoor kitchen can boost the appeal and value of your property. -
All-season dining
With covers, heating, and weather-resistant appliances, you can cook outdoors far beyond the summer months.
The Challenges
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British weather
Our sunshine is limited, and showers are frequent. Shelter and heating are often essential. -
Costs
Installing an outdoor kitchen can be a significant investment, particularly if you’re looking at premium outdoor kitchens. -
Maintenance
Even with weatherproof materials, outdoor setups need care to keep them looking and working their best.
For many homeowners, the benefits outweigh the challenges, especially when paired with quality garden furniture like a durable dining table to complete the setup.
Outdoor Kitchen UK: Design Ideas and Inspiration
When planning an outdoor kitchen, UK homeowners should think about how they’ll use the space. Here are some inspiring ideas:
1. Modular Outdoor Kitchens
Modular outdoor kitchens (as shown in the photo above) are one of the most practical solutions for UK homes. Built from modular units, these designs can be customised to fit your garden’s layout and your cooking style. Start with the essentials—a grill and prep space—and expand later with modular outdoor kitchen cabinets, sinks, or even a kitchen island.
2. Pizza Ovens and Grills
No outdoor cooking space is complete without a grill, and many homeowners are also adding pizza ovens to their setups. Both are perfect for entertaining and bring a sense of theatre to al fresco dining.
3. Combining Style and Function
An outdoor kitchen should be practical but also stylish. Think about how it will integrate with your existing patio, garden, and furniture. A matching dining table and comfortable seating area will help create a seamless flow between cooking and dining spaces.
The Role of Outdoor Furniture in Outdoor Kitchens
At Lazy Susan, we believe the true heart of any outdoor kitchen is the dining area. While a well-equipped kitchen is a nice-to-have, it’s the furniture that transforms the space into a place for connection, conversation, and celebration.
A beautifully crafted outdoor dining table is more than just a surface for plates and glasses — it’s where everything comes together: cooking, eating, and socialising. The right furniture can elevate your patio, creating a seamless extension of your home’s interior. Comfortable seating allows guests to relax and linger, turning casual meals into memorable gatherings.
For us, while an outdoor kitchen is a fantastic addition for those with the space and budget, a good garden table comes first and foremost. It offers the simple, yet invaluable, opportunity to step outside and enjoy the garden with friends and family. Even without a full kitchen setup, a sturdy table and comfortable seating provide the perfect setting for alfresco dining, weekend barbecues, or simply enjoying a cup of tea on a sunny afternoon. It’s a space that encourages time spent together outdoors, making your garden a hub of everyday life.
If you do opt for an outdoor kitchen, pairing it with thoughtful furniture is essential. The space shouldn’t be just about cooking — it’s about creating a social hub where family and friends can connect, laugh, and enjoy the garden lifestyle to the fullest.
Investing in quality furniture ensures your outdoor kitchen isn’t just functional, but a space everyone genuinely wants to spend time in.
How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen in Your Garden
Designing an outdoor kitchen is about more than just installing a barbecue — it’s about creating a functional, stylish space that enhances the way you live and entertain. Here are some key considerations to help you plan with confidence:
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Assess your space
Begin by looking at the shape, size, and orientation of your garden or patio. A compact courtyard might call for a streamlined cooking zone with foldaway features, while a larger garden could accommodate a fully equipped kitchen and spacious dining area. Think carefully about how much of your outdoor footprint you want to dedicate to cooking versus relaxing, and how the kitchen will connect visually and practically with the rest of your garden. -
Choose your core features
At the heart of most outdoor kitchens is a grill, but today’s designs offer far more possibilities. Consider whether a gas, charcoal, or hybrid barbecue best suits your cooking style. From there, you might add a wood-fired pizza oven, a smoker for slow cooking, or even an outdoor sink and refrigeration to minimise trips back indoors. Modular outdoor kitchen cabinets are increasingly popular, allowing you to expand over time as your needs evolve. -
Think about shelter
In the UK climate, an outdoor kitchen without a roof is rarely practical. A fixed or retractable cover — such as a pergola with a solid roof, a louvred canopy, or even a bespoke garden room structure — is essential if you want to cook and entertain year-round. Not only does it provide vital protection from rain and wind, but it also adds architectural interest and a sense of permanence to your outdoor living space. -
Plan your layout
Functionality is key. Place your cooking area close enough to the house to make carrying ingredients easy, but far enough to prevent smoke drifting indoors. Consider workflow: a triangle layout between grill, prep space, and dining area helps keep everything within reach. If you’re adding plumbing or electrics, consult professionals early so services can be planned in without disruption later. -
Furnish with care
Your kitchen is only half the story — the dining and social area is where the memories are made. Opt for high-quality, weather-resistant furniture that will stand up to the elements while still feeling inviting and comfortable. Layer in outdoor lighting, heating, and textiles like cushions or rugs to create a space that works as well on a September evening as it does on a June afternoon. -
Set the mood with styling and ambience
Finally, bring your outdoor kitchen to life with thoughtful details. Ambient lighting — from festoon lights and lanterns to subtle LED strips — can instantly create atmosphere after dusk. Lush planting softens the hard edges of cabinetry and structures, while herbs in pots add both fragrance and flavour to your cooking. Accessories such as outdoor rugs, throws, and decorative tableware turn the space into an extension of your home, making it a place where guests want to linger long after the food is served.
Conclusion: Is an Outdoor Kitchen Worth It?
For more and more homeowners, the answer is a resounding yes. While the British climate can be unpredictable, clever design, durable materials, and the right outdoor furniture make it entirely possible to enjoy cooking and dining al fresco for much of the year.
Whether you choose a simple barbecue setup or a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with modular cabinets, pizza ovens, and built-in prep areas, the goal is the same: to create a stylish, practical, and social extension of your home into the garden. The key is designing a space that works with your lifestyle — functional for cooking, comfortable for dining, and inviting for spending time together outdoors.
Start with your garden dining setup. High-quality, weather-resistant furniture is the foundation, transforming your outdoor kitchen from a mere cooking area into a place where memories are made. Thoughtful seating arrangements, layered with cushions, parasols, and ambient lighting, ensure comfort and versatility. Add greenery and other accessories to complete the ambience, and you’ll have a space that naturally draws family and friends together — rain or shine.
With the right furniture and design, your outdoor kitchen becomes more than just a cooking space; it becomes the heart of your garden, where socialising, laughter, and relaxation take centre stage.
We’d love to see how you bring your outdoor kitchen to life. Share your garden dining moments with us on Instagram or Facebook by tagging @LazySusanFurniture, or join our Do Some Good campaign by uploading photos of beautifully styled tables.
Your garden can be more than a space to cook — it can be a hub for connection, celebration, and alfresco living.
