Hello folks, I'm definitely interested in this! Could anyone let me know what kind of stuff is involved? Do you just cook up a good load of food and chow down? Sounds amazing!
Hi Ewan.
The event is very informal however we try to coordinate what people cook/bring beforehand to ensure that as many bases are covered as possible. A month or so before the event we will start to ask what people intend doing on the day and post up a list for others to see. That way we hope to avoid everyone doing the same thing. If people do want to cook or bring similar things then that is perfectly OK too but we are just trying to avoid the only thing on the table being 20 bowls of potato salad.
At the site we rent an additional pitch which we use for the BBQs. People who wanted to cook brought their own smokers for cooking on the day however it may be possible to share with someone else if they have the space. We also have a large refrigerated trailer on the site (thanks to Steve) so that we can keep everything chilled before it is cooked. We had a good mix of food last year which included Brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken in several forms, sausage, chili and various breads and salads of all kinds.
Most of us arrive on the Friday night and the evening is spent huddling under a caravan awning trying to shelter from torrential rain whilst drinking copious amounts of wine, beer (and possibly cider), getting to know each other and sharing stories of that elusive perfect brisket or rib roast. Whilst the smokers are talking about the important stuff our partners are discussing trivial matters like world peace and are looking upon as in awe. I think it is a look of awe but maybe it is just sympathy.
On the Saturday we set a time in the late afternoon at which point we will eat. The BBQers then work towards getting their food ready for that time. It is all then laid out on a table and, because there is usually much more than we can eat, the whole group, invited guests, and anyone else that happens to be passing by are invited to tuck in.
It is a very relaxed day and it is not a competition. It is all about sharing our experiences, picking up tips from others and then enjoying a good spread of smoked meats and sides with good company.
We are looking forward to you joining us if you can