A new survey shows that most Brits need just 14 degrees Celsius before they light the barbecue, with some willing to grill in even colder conditions.
A poll of 2,000 adults found that 21 per cent will fire up the grill when temperatures sit in single figures.
The most committed 67 per cent keep going until a storm threatens to take down their gazebo. A further 45 per cent hold their ground through thunder, a third press on through a full storm, and winds of around 30 miles per hour are not enough to stop others.
A spokesperson for bakery brand St Pierre, which commissioned the research, said: “Although we’ve had a bout of beautiful sunshine recently, it’s clear it would have to be raining cats and dogs for us to sacrifice our barbecues. It’s incredible to see just how much it takes before people finally call it. For many of us, drizzle is just background noise, and even a bit of a chill won’t stop the tongs coming out if friends are on their way. That ‘we’ll make it work’ spirit and instinct to gather around good food – whatever the forecast – is a big part of what makes summer feel like summer in Britain.”
While 31 per cent cancel at the first sign of rain, 26 per cent take the view that if you can see through it, you can grill through it.
Half of those polled say they have never called off a barbecue due to bad weather. Fourteen per cent say the unpredictable conditions are part of the appeal, 23 per cent refuse to stop when the food is too good, and 31 per cent do not want to let their guests down.
Among those who have cancelled, 49 per cent made the decision on the day itself, according to data from OnePoll.com.
Certain tools help people push through poor weather. A gazebo tops the list at 34 per cent, followed by a patio heater at 28 per cent and a strong umbrella at 19 per cent.
Nearly half of those surveyed, 48 per cent, say barbecue culture is a key part of their British summer. For 58 per cent, the smell of grilling marks the true start of the season.
Views differ on when barbecue season begins. Twenty-eight per cent say May is the right time to get started, while 24 per cent hold out until June.
Forty-four per cent believe grilling is the responsibility of a man. Fifty-seven per cent of women hand the job to someone else, while 47 per cent of men take on the role themselves.
There is also a clear appetite for variety at the grill. Fifty per cent want to try new or unusual foods alongside the classics. Thirty-nine per cent plan to explore new flavours this summer, and 22 per cent are already planning menus and preparing ingredients in advance.
The St Pierre spokesperson added: “There’s clearly no ‘official’ start date for BBQ season, but what is consistent is how strongly people associate BBQs with British summertime. That smell of grilling really does feel like the starter’s pistol for long evenings, relaxed weekends and bringing people together. And while Brits might be famously optimistic about the weather, many are planning the menu and prepping ingredients well ahead of time – showing that even the most simple summertime meal can be a little more memorable when you take the time to do it properly.”