Here is the real hack: designated BBQ pits. Places like Burgess Park in Southwark or Victoria Park have actual, permanent metal grills bolted into the ground. It’s like the council wants you to have a good time. Unheard of, right?
You just show up with your own charcoal and a scraper. The previous users usually leave a layer of blackened crust that adds a certain je ne sais quoi to your chicken thighs. It’s the flavor of shared struggle.
These spots fill up by 10:00 AM on a sunny day. If you roll in at 2:00 PM with a bag of burgers, you’ll be that sad person eating a sad wrap while staring at a family of six hogging the grill. Be early, or be a spectator.
The Rooftop of Dreams (and Smoke)
Some pubs and clubs have rooftop BBQs. These are for the social climbers among us. You pay £12 for a burger that tastes like it was kissed by a angel, but you’ll eat it while looking at the Shard. That’s the trade-off.
It’s not really BBQ, though. It’s dining al fresco with a side of pretension. The grill is manned by a guy in a beanie who calls himself a “pit master.” Don’t ask him where the ketchup is. He will judge you.
Still, if you want to impress a date without getting ash in your hair, this is your move. Just don’t mention the price. We all have to make sacrifices for a good Instagram story.
Best London Spots For A Summer Barbecue | ShunGrill
