Alfresco eating as popular as ever despite wettest summer for 250 years.
According to the National BBQ Association, British consumers enjoyed over 90 million barbecue occasions last year, demonstrating that the UK's love of alfresco dining hasn't been dampened by the weather.

The association will once again be running its annual Gastro Alfresco National BBQ Campaign. Brian George, president of the National BBQ Association said: "Consumers now see their patios as an extension of the inside, in effect an extra 'room' in which to eat, entertain and enjoy."

He added: "When it comes to alfresco eating and entertaining, the diversity of garden furniture, accessories, charcoal and the barbecue itself now on offer is much wider than ever before, providing great sales opportunities for diy retailers."

Although the market dipped by 18% last year due to poor weather, mid-week and after work barbecues have grown in popularity, representing over 40% of all barbecue occasions.

National BBQ Week will run from May 26-June 1. New for 2008, Alfresco Food Fortnight, also organised by the National BBQ Association, will run from July 21-August 3.

For more information visit www.gastro-alfresco.co.uk