Summer BBQ Essentials from Boscastle Farm Shop

Long summer days call for food cooked outdoors, relaxed gatherings and tables filled with dishes that everyone can help themselves to. From a quiet supper in the garden to a larger barbecue with family and friends, a little planning and some good-quality ingredients can make all the difference.

With home-reared meat, handmade sausages, freshly prepared deli dishes, seasonal produce, bread, drinks and store cupboard favourites, you can find your BBQ Essentials from Boscastle Farm Shop in one convenient stop.

Start with quality meat from the farm shop butchery

The grill is usually at the heart of a summer barbecue, so it makes sense to begin with meat that has been carefully sourced and prepared.

Boscastle Farm Shop runs its own pedigree North Devon cattle herd, with Ruby Red beef produced from animals raised on the farm. Their feed is also grown on the farm, while the beef is hung for at least 21 days to develop flavour and tenderness. The farm’s lambs are traditionally reared on grass and their mothers’ milk, while pork is sourced from Cornish farms.

Handmade beef burgers are an easy crowd-pleaser and ideal for serving in freshly baked rolls with cheese, salad and your favourite condiments. For something simple but full of flavour, choose from Cornish sausages, including traditional pork, apple and sage, and spicy chilli varieties.

Steaks are another strong choice for the barbecue, particularly when served simply with a fresh salad and crusty bread. You can also add marinated chicken pieces, ribs or lamb kebabs to create a varied spread with something for every appetite. These BBQ essentials from Boscastle Farm Shop make it easy to build a generous menu without overcomplicating the cooking.

BBQ essentials from Boscastle Farm Shop for easy side dishes

The best barbecues are not only about what is cooking on the grill. Fresh salads, breads, vegetables and deli dishes bring colour and variety to the table, while giving guests plenty to enjoy alongside the main event.

Boscastle Farm Shop’s deli range changes regularly and includes food handmade in its farmhouse kitchen. Wherever possible, dishes are prepared using home-grown produce and fresh, seasonal ingredients, without unnecessary additives or preservatives.

Homemade coleslaw and potato salad are natural barbecue favourites. Seasonal green salads dressed with house vinaigrette also provide a fresh contrast to burgers, sausages and grilled meat.

For something warm, place courgettes, peppers or tomatoes on the barbecue and cook until lightly charred. Fresh herbs can be used to finish salads, flavour marinades or brighten up a simple dressing. Boscastle Farm Shop stocks fresh fruit and vegetables, making it easy to choose seasonal ingredients according to what looks best on the day.

Freshly baked bread rolls are ideal for burgers and sausages, while larger loaves can be sliced or torn for sharing. Add local cheese, chutney or a dish of good olive oil and you have an easy starter for guests to enjoy while the barbecue heats up.

Build a simple burger bar

A help-yourself burger bar is a relaxed way to feed a group and allows everyone to create their own plate.

Start with handmade beef burgers and fresh bread rolls. Set out cheese, sliced tomatoes, salad leaves, coleslaw and a selection of condiments. You could also cook sausages and provide extra rolls for anyone who would prefer a classic sausage sandwich.

This approach keeps serving simple and works particularly well for families. It also means you can prepare many of your BBQ essentials from Boscastle Farm Shop before guests arrive, leaving you with more time to enjoy the gathering.

Drinks for warm summer evenings

Cold drinks are an important part of any barbecue, from refreshing choices during the afternoon to something special as the evening settles in.

Boscastle Farm Shop stocks cider, beer and ale, alongside a selection of wines and spirits. You can also find artisan lemonades and local apple juices for a refreshing alcohol-free option. For a sunny lunch, a chilled rosé works well with salads, chicken and seafood, while local cider is a natural choice with pork sausages or a farmhouse-style spread.

Make sure drinks are well chilled before guests arrive and place soft drinks and water somewhere easy for everyone to reach. A large container filled with ice can make a practical drinks station and saves repeated trips indoors.

Do not forget something sweet

After smoky barbecue flavours, a simple summer dessert is often all you need.

Fresh strawberries can be served with Rodda’s clotted cream, added to a pavlova or used to create a quick Eton Mess. Boscastle Farm Shop also offers homemade cakes, flapjacks, scones and other sweet bakes, so dessert can be as effortless or indulgent as you choose.

Locally made Cornish ice cream is another welcome addition on a warm day. Choose classic clotted cream vanilla, chocolate or fruit flavours, with dairy-free options and sorbets also available. Serve in bowls, cones or alongside a warm brownie for an easy pudding that will appeal to all ages.

Pick up the practical extras

A successful barbecue usually depends on a few less exciting but equally important items. Before leaving the shop, check that you have enough charcoal, condiments and serving essentials.

Boscastle Farm Shop stocks eco-friendly barbecue charcoal, along with grocery items and thoughtful outdoor dining extras. Adding these to your basket means you are less likely to discover something missing once the grill is already lit.

A simple checklist can help:

Choose your meat and allow enough for each guest. Add fresh rolls, deli salads and seasonal vegetables. Pick up sauces, chutneys and cheese, followed by cold drinks and an easy dessert. Finally, check your charcoal and practical supplies.

Everything you need for a summer barbecue

Good barbecues do not need to be complicated. Quality meat, fresh sides, chilled drinks and a relaxed atmosphere are often all it takes to bring people together.

By choosing your BBQ essentials from Boscastle Farm Shop, you can create a menu centred on Cornish ingredients, farm shop favourites and food prepared with care. From home-reared beef and handmade sausages to bread, deli salads, fresh produce and something sweet, everything can be brought together in one visit.

Call into the farm shop before your next garden gathering, beach barbecue or summer celebration and stock up on BBQ essentials from Boscastle Farm Shop for a feast made to be shared.