Sizzling summer

Create the perfect conditions for alfresco entertaining with these practical and elegant designs for outdoor kitchens

- HOLLY REANEY

When the mercury begins to soar (temperatures are consistently breaking records each summer), the last place you want to be is in the kitchen. Once associated with holiday living and the sunshine lifestyles of life in warmer climes, outdoor kitchens are now an increasingly popular option here in the UK. And adding one to your garden, large or small, is fast becoming a worthwhile investment.

There is an undeniable pleasure about cooking and dining in the garden-simply put, food tastes better outdoors. So, why not turn your garden into the latest culinary hotspot by installing an outdoor kitchen? "The secret to creating the perfect outdoor kitchen is to remove the barriers that are currently stopping you from outdoor living. If it's clearing up after cooking, then incorporating a sink and storage for cleaning equipment might help. If it's the weather, then a retractable canopy, pergola, or outdoor heating can prove invaluable,' suggests designer Yoko Kloeden. Make a list of these hurdles and address them in your design.

OUTDOOR KITCHEN ESSENTIALS 

Appliances form the heart of your outdoor kitchen, and the options you choose will define both the size and shape of the space and the investment involved. A simple pizza oven can easily be partnered with a small storage unit or a farmhouse-style table. However, a professional-style grill or barbecue will require more prep space due to the range of meals you can cook. A small yet durable stainless steel sink is also a great addition, providing a useful handwashing station for both the cook and diners.

Landscape architect Victoria Wade advises that you complete your outdoor kitchen with 'plenty of ledges for resting drinks and nibbles, and positioning a few pots of herbs within easy reach. You could even add a bar area with a few stools for your friends to sit while you cook'.