Sun’s out, buns out. We pick the London hotspots where you’ve got a green light to grill
Cooking outdoors is one of life’s great joys. It’s how our ancestors did it, and just because we live in the city, why should we miss out on the primitive pleasures on chargrilling a chunk of meat over an open flame? So, as summer rolls around, it’s time to head to the park and fire up the barbie. Just bare in mind, local councils are known to issue temporary bans on BBQs in parks where they are usually permitted, becuase of warm weather leading to fire hazards. Please check local council websites before firing up the grill.
Most of London’s lush green spaces are reserved for picnics only, but there are some major parks and local gardens where you’re officially allowed to fire up the BBQ. Unfortunately, iconic grill spot London Fields, which used to get packed and smoky on a balmy day, is no longer an option for barbecuing after the council banned BBQs there. Other councils including Islington have followed suit since, but you can still heat 'em and eat 'em elsewhere in the capital. Here are the spots in London where it’s totally chill to grill.
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It’s not quite going to give your burgers that smoky charcoal flavour, but in 2024 Burgess Park installed three electric hotplates in the park, ideal for outdoor grilling. This came after disposable barbies were leading to an increased fire risk and litter in the park. The terribly modern outdoor cooking facilities are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis, from 10am until dusk.
NB: Barbecuing is temporarily banned in all parks in the borough of Camden.
Central London parks aren’t just for stuffing sarnies into your face at lunchtime. You can barbecue in Camden parks (from 20 March 2024 to the end of September 2024), and this huge flame-friendly public square (the biggest in London, no less) is no exception. Work off the meat with a post-picnic tennis match.
NB: Barbecuing is temporarily banned in all parks in the borough of Camden.
Grill the day away on this gentle grassy slope. Dubbed a ‘garden for gardenless Londoners’, this scenic north London park (another Camden spot, no less) welcomes fair weather feasting. Drool over your barbecued banquet while enjoying views of the city skyline – just make sure you're only firing up the barbie in the designated BBQ zones.
NB: Barbecuing is temporarily banned in all parks in the borough of Camden.
Russell Square might be better known for lost tourists and academics on their lunchbreaks than baps and burgers, but it’s also a prime central spot for summertime smouldering. Don’t think about bringing a disposable BBQ to grill on – it’s reusable charcoal BBQs all the way in this park.
NB: Barbecuing is temporarily banned in all parks in the borough of Camden.
Cantelowes Gardens is a secret suntrap away from the Camden crowds. There’s a skate park, play area and plenty of grass for firing up the (portable) barbie. Looking to zhuzh up your barbecue? Pop over to Mediterranean food hall Phoenicia – just a five-minute walk away – to make yours the best picnic in the park.
NB: Barbecuing is temporarily banned in all parks in the borough of Camden.
This small green spot near Chalk Farm station is one of Camden’s many gardens that allow locals bring their barbies. Sizzle away the afternoon before popping into the Pineapple for a few pints.
Paradise Park doesn’t allow coal or gas barbecues, but it is home to electric hot plates that can be booked via the EverGrill app or by scanning a QR code on the plate. Unlike the Burgess Park hot plates, this isn’t a free-to-use service; renting the facilities through EverGrill costs £10 for one hour.
If you leave further afield, Sutton’s Roundshaw Downs and Roundshaw park allows grilling at its BBQ stands. The open grassland only has two stands, so get there early to secure your spot.
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