KITCHENS: TAKE IT OUTSIDE

Inspire major barbecue envy or just soak up the romance of cooking beneath the stars

- Words Miriam Methuen-Jones

Summer prep used to be about mowing the lawn, rolling the barbie out of the shed and stocking up on sausages. While this is still a perfectly acceptable to-do list for the average host, there is a whole new world of outdoor entertainment to explore. The outdoor kitchen, once found only in far-flung sunny spots, is creeping its way into Scottish gardens and raising the bar. Tempted? Here’s everything you need to know about alfresco cooking.

First up: the hardware. Do you want a fully integrated gas stove? A tricked-out grill? A standard barbecue? How about a wood-fired pizza oven? To help you decide, consider how many people you're likely to be feeding, and how often. Similarly, think about what you cook regularly, then plan accordingly. You might love the idea of an elaborate hibachi spread, but if those dishes aren’t already in your repertoire, it's best to step away from the teppanyaki grill.