Revealed: West Midlands residents' secret summer BBQ party wishes

The survey of 2,000 UK adults, which was commissioned by housebuilder Avant Homes West Midlands, found that nearly half of people living in the region said BBQs are the best type of party to attend.

With an estimated 22.7 million UK households having access to a garden*, millions of BBQs will be sizzling across the country over the course of this summer and the pressure is on for hosts to deliver.

But, despite their huge popularity, more than four in ten (44 per cent) think most BBQs could do with a serious upgrade, calling for party themes, better entertainment, outdoor games and unusual food options.

Hosting is heating up

The survey revealed a clear shift in what the West Midlands expects from a great BBQ gathering. Hosting one is no longer just about putting on a few sausages and hoping for sunshine.

It’s about creating an experience, with just under three in 10 people in the region (29 per cent) saying the entertainment at a BBQ is more important than the food itself.

Party on

When asked what party theme they secretly hoped for at BBQs they attend, a quarter of those in the West Midlands (23 per cent) crowned beach parties the number one choice.

In second place, one in five (18 per cent) wanted a British street party theme and in third place with 14 per cent was an American cookout.

That’s entertainment

When it comes to live entertainment, a quarter of those in the West Midlands (24 per cent) secretly want to turn up to a BBQ where karaoke is on offer, whilst one in five (19 per cent) hoped for a good laugh with a comedian.

In third place on the secret wish list was a celebrity impersonator, with 14 per cent hoping for some A-list impressions to go with their hot dogs.

Game changer

When it comes to outdoor games, seven out of ten people living in the West Midlands secretly want to find some are available to play at BBQs they attend.

Generational favourites giant Connect 4, swing ball and giant Connect Jenga came a close first, second and third respectively, with each polling around one in four in the region saying it was the game they wanted to play.

Beyond the burgers

Food, of course, remains central to the BBQ experience, but guests are becoming more adventurous and there’s a growing appetite for the unusual.

While traditional staples still have their place, the survey found that many people in the West Midlands secretly want to try more adventurous options.

Buffalo (26 per cent), wild boar (21 per cent) and ostrich (16 per cent) emerged at the top of guests’ lists of unusual meats they would secretly like to try, suggesting hosts might want to re-think the usual offerings.

Vegetable and fruit choices for BBQs are evolving too with those in the region revealing their secret cravings. Sweet potato was wanted by four in ten people (43 per cent) followed by avocado (24 per cent) and, surprisingly, cucumber (20 per cent).

Fresh ideas

Commenting on the findings, Avant Homes group marketing manager, Louise Lawrence Flynn, said, “BBQ parties have long been a hugely popular staple of a British summer, but our research shows expectations are clearly evolving.

“People want more than just good food, they’re looking for memorable experiences, playful entertainment, out of the ordinary food and need spaces that work for hosting.

“As a housebuilder, we create homes that provide people with the indoor and outdoor space to enjoy entertaining and to create wonderful memories. We hope our survey provides people with some fresh and fun ideas to make their summer BBQ parties an unforgettable experience for all who attend.”