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Sun’s out, buns out. We pick the London hotspots where you’ve got a green light to grill
There are few things greater in life than gathering up your mates and heading to the park to grill up a feast under the sizzling summer sun. It’s a simple pleasure, but one that somehow makes your grub taste even better than it would in boring old indoors. Just don’t spoil the day by scorching the grass and leaving a mess behind you.
Most of London’s lush green spaces are reserved for picnics only, but there are some major parks and local gardens where you’re officially allowed to fire up the BBQ. Unfortunately, iconic grill spot London Fields, which used to get packed and smoky on a balmy day, is no longer an option for barbecuing after the council banned BBQs there. Other councils have followed suit since, but you can still heat 'em and eat 'em elsewhere in the capital. Here are the spots in London where it’s totally chill to grill.
Please note: Owing to the increased fire hazard during periods of particularly warm weather, local councils have been known to issue temporary bans on barbecues in parks where they are usually permitted. Please check local council websites before firing up the grill.
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Central London parks aren’t just for stuffing sarnies into your face at lunchtime. You can barbecue in Camden parks (from 20 March 2024 to the end of September 2024), and this huge flame-friendly public square (the biggest in London, no less) is no exception. Work off the meat with a post-picnic tennis match.
Grill the day away on this gentle grassy slope. Dubbed a ‘garden for gardenless Londoners’, this scenic north London park (another Camden spot, no less) welcomes fair weather feasting. Drool over your barbecued banquet while enjoying views of the city skyline – just make sure you're only firing up the barbie in the designated BBQ zones.
Russell Square might be better known for lost tourists and academics on their lunchbreaks than baps and burgers, but it’s also a prime central spot for summertime smouldering. Don’t think about bringing a disposable BBQ to grill on – it’s reusable charcoal BBQs all the way in this park.
Cantelowes Gardens is a secret suntrap away from the Camden crowds. There’s a skate park, play area and plenty of grass for firing up the (portable) barbie. Looking to zhuzh up your barbecue? Pop over to Mediterranean food hall Phoenicia – just a five-minute walk away – to make yours the best picnic in the park.
Keep clear of the crowds and away from car horns with our pick of gardens that you won't find growing in the guidebooks.
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