Summer is the perfect time to fire up the barbecue, host a dinner party and enjoy alfresco dining with friends and family. At Parson’s Nose, we believe that exceptional grilling starts with exceptional cuts.
Whether you're hosting a weekend garden party or a relaxed weekday supper, our expert butchers have selected the finest meats, and meal kits to help you elevate your BBQ experience as easily as possible.
The Essentials: Choosing the Right Cut
Great barbecues begin with great ingredients, and the right cut can make all the difference.
Whether you’re after something tender and quick to cook or a centrepiece to feed a crowd, choosing well-prepared, high-quality meat is key. Our butchers have hand-selected a range of premium cuts ideal for summer grilling.
Beef
- Dry-Aged Ribeye: Rich, marbled, and full of flavour; ideal for high-heat grilling.
- Bavette Steak: A butcher’s favourite; perfect for flash grilling and slicing thinly.
- Beef Burgers: Handmade with prime cuts for superior texture and taste.
Lamb
- Lamb Chops: Tender and naturally sweet; brilliant with rosemary and garlic.
- Butterflied Leg of Lamb: Easy to grill and serve; great for feeding a crowd.
Pork
- Pork Belly Slices: Crisp, juicy, and crowd-pleasing with a smoky glaze.
- Sausages: Artisan recipes made in-house, from Cumberland to Toulouse-style.
Poultry
- Spatchcock Chicken: Flattened for even cooking, delicious with zesty marinades.
- Chicken Skewers: Marinated in-house, ready to grill and serve
Get Ready for the Grill: Seasonal Boxes & Butcher’s Picks
Fire up the barbecue with confidence, thanks to our expertly curated seasonal boxes and butcher’s picks crafted to bring quality, flavour, and ease to your summer gatherings.
The Grill Master's Starter Kit
Begin your summer grilling journey with these crowd-pleasing essentials:
- Kebabs: Our bestselling skewered perfection, ready to grill.
- Beef Steak Burgers: Premium patties that deliver restaurant-quality results.
- Chicken Wings: The ultimate finger food for garden parties. Our pre- marinated chicken legs are also great for this, or season your own with our chicken drumsticks.
Weekend Warriors Collection
For those serious about their BBQ game:
- Wagyu Burgers: Elevate your burger experience with premium marbled beef.
- Marinated Chicken Breast: Pre-seasoned for convenience and flavour.
- Beef Steak Mince: Versatile base for custom burgers and kebabs.
Summer Menu Planning
Make outdoor dining effortless with simple, crowd-pleasing ideas to help you create the perfect summer menu. We've curated a variety of shopping lists full of ideal combinations to suit any occasion, whatever your evening or party requires.
Family BBQ Menu (Serves 6-8)
- 2 packs Kebabs.
- 1 pack Chicken Wings.
- 1 pack Marinated Chicken Breast.
- Seasonal vegetables and sides.
Gourmet Gathering (Serves 4-6)
- Beef Burgers.
- Marinated Whole Boneless Chicken (spatchcocked).
- Beef Steak Mince (formed into gourmet sliders).
- Premium accompaniments.
Quick Weeknight Grill (Serves 2-4)
- Beef Burgers.
- Marinated Chicken Legs.
- Simple salad and grilled vegetables.
- Marinated Kebabs.
- Beef Wellington.
- Succulent Sausages.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Grilling Results
Make summer hosting effortless with our expertly curated BBQ boxes and seasonal butcher’s picks everything you need for a memorable feast, delivered fresh and ready to grill.
Perfect Kebab Grilling
Temperature: Medium-high heat.
- Preheat grill for 10-15 minutes.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes.
- Internal temperature should reach 75°C.
- Pro tip: Let rest for 2 minutes before serving to retain juices.
Burger Mastery
For Beef Steak and Wagyu Burgers.
- Don't press down while cooking, this releases precious juices.
- Cook 4-5 minutes per side for medium.
- Create a slight indent in the centre to prevent puffing.
- Pro tip: Toast buns on the grill for 30 seconds for extra flavour.
Chicken Wing Perfection
- Start on cooler side of grill for 15 minutes.
- Move to direct heat for final 5-10 minutes for crispy skin.
- Internal temperature: 74°C.
- Game changer: Finish with a glaze in the last 2 minutes.
Marinated Chicken Deliciousness
Pre-marinated for your convenience.
- Grill over medium heat to prevent burning the marinade.
- 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Use a meat thermometer - 74°C is your target.
- Flavour boost: Reserve some marinade for basting (never reuse raw marinade).
Seasonal Grilling Calendar
Plan your perfect barbecue with our month-by-month guide, packed with timely tips, flavour inspiration, and seasonal favourites for effortless hosting.
July Focus: Beat the Heat
Keep things fresh, fast, and flavourful in the height of summer.
Recommended Cuts & Dishes:
- Quick-cooking favourites: Kebabs, Chicken Wings, Burgers.
- Light, vibrant marinades with mint and basil.
- Pair with cooling salads and seasonal veg sides.
Top Tips:
- Choose smaller cuts for faster cook times.
- Serve with citrus-based dressings or yoghurt sauces for extra refreshment.
August Emphasis: End of Summer Celebrations
Go big as the season winds down with bold flavours and celebratory spreads.
Recommended Cuts & Dishes:
- Show-stopping centrepieces: Marinated Whole Boneless Chicken.
- Mixed grill platters featuring Beef Steak Mince variations.
- Herb-crusted meats to lock in the last of the summer flavours.
Top Tips:
- Elevate your table with grilled flatbreads and robust sauces.
- Add seasonal fruits (like peaches or nectarines) to your grill rotation for a sweet twist.
Perfect Pairings
Flavour is at the heart of every great barbecue, and pairing your grilled dishes with the right drinks can elevate the entire experience.
Rich, smoky beef cuts like ribeye or burgers pair beautifully with bold reds such as Malbec or Shiraz, while herb-marinated chicken works well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy pale ale.
For lamb, consider earthy reds like Rioja or a spiced rosé to complement rosemary and garlic. If you’re serving pork with sweet glazes or fruit-based marinades, try a chilled cider or a dry Riesling.
For non-alcoholic options, homemade iced teas with lemon, mint or ginger provide a refreshing match for smoky grilled flavours, while sparkling water with cucumber or citrus keeps things bright and balanced.
The key is to complement, not overpower allowing the natural quality of the meat to shine.
Food Safety Tips for Summer Grilling
When it comes to summer barbecues, food safety is just as important as flavour. Always cook meats to the correct internal temperature: beef should reach 63°C for medium-rare or 71°C for well-done, while chicken must hit 74°C throughout to be safe.
Use separate plates and utensils for raw and cooked meat to avoid cross-contamination, and ensure cold foods stay below 4°C until you’re ready to cook. Keep meat refrigerated right up until it hits the grill.
On hot days, it’s important to take extra precautions. Try to set up your barbecue in a shaded area to avoid excessive heat exposure and keep a spray bottle nearby to manage unexpected flare-ups.
And don’t forget about the chef, grilling can be hot work, so stay hydrated throughout.
Discover the ease of exceptional butchery with Parson’s Nose your premium online butcher, delivering nationwide. Or visit us in store in Fulham, Putney, South Kensington or Belgravia, where expert service and the finest cuts await ready for your BBQ success. Shop online, for delivery or click and collect in store today.
