As the sun starts to come out more and more, the pull of the outdoors becomes increasingly irresistible. Once classes are over and the weather heats up, the typical between-class Uplands Roast and quick walk won’t be enough—it’ll be time to whip out the grill. While a few patties and a nice day are sufficient, if you want to host a truly out-of-this-world barbecue, follow this guide, and you’ll have something next level.
Where?
To start, the Meadows is the obvious choice—nearby and large enough that you’ll probably find a spot, even on the sunniest days. If you want to shake things up a bit, another great option is the large green space adjacent to Holyrood Palace. With a lovely view of St Anthony’s Chapel Ruins and Arthur’s Seat, this grassy haven is a massively underrated BBQ site. Finally, if you’re willing to venture a bit further, bring your grill (and, if you’re keen, some firewood and a swimming costume) down to Portobello. An evening bonfire, BBQ, and sea dip—once the water is warm enough—is an elite way to achieve the ultimate summery vibes.
Scran
Expand beyond the burger (and veggie burger, of course!) and add hot dogs to the mix—providing options is a great way to make sure everyone is happy and well-fed. Next, go beyond meats and use your BBQ to get your five-a-day. My personal favourites are grilled corn and grilled courgette (trust me on this one, it’s divine). If you’re feeling rogue, throw down some carrots or watermelon—they’ll surely be a surprise hit. Fresh fruit balances out anything grilled, so grapes, blueberries, strawberries, etc., are key. Finally, go the extra mile and pull up with a cooler full of ice lollies or ice cream bars—I can assure you, everyone will love you forever.
Bevs!
In my opinion, BYOB is the way to go here. Not everyone will want to drink, and, regardless, everyone’s tastes are different, so you’re better off not bulk-buying. If someone wants to bring a six-pack to share, nobody ever hated a free drink, but if you’re hosting, don’t feel too pressured to provide. If you really want to bring drinks, I’d say opt for (ideally freshly squeezed) lemonade—there’s nothing like a cold glass of lemonade on a hot day, and it’s sober-friendly!
Finally, Activities
Activities ensure people have fun the whole day long. My personal favourites are spikeball and frisbee, but the key is to keep the games flexible (so people can pop in and out) and not too difficult (so anyone can participate). Music is also a must, so make sure someone brings a powerful Bluetooth speaker and plays tunes everyone will enjoy. You can even turn the music into a game with a pass-the-aux or a Spotify Jam session.
With this guide, you should be set to welcome the warming days in full summer style. So get out there and host the barbecue of the century!
Photo by Marek Mucha on Unsplash