Out & About July 2017

Great grilling places So you’ve run out of charcoal or simply don’t have the time for a barbie. Here’s where you can get authentic barbecued food around the area

BooBars 5 Market Place, Newbury RG14 5AA T: 01635 226856

Award-winning smokehouse deli run by a former firefighter and his wife, which won best takeaway in the south last year. BooBars beat off stiff competition at the Food Awards England 2016 to win a trophy as the south’s best takeaway.

Just desserts You know the feeling – you’ve had a fantastic barbecue but just as you finish the coals are white hot and perfect for cooking. So here’s some tasty tips for what to cook at the end of the barbie. MARSHMALLOW KEBABS Caramelised marshmallows oozing with sweetness are a hit with children especially. Thread on skewers and add some fruit between the marshmallows to make them healthier. But simple marshmallows toasted over the coals on skewers are always popular. PINEAPPLE AND COCONUT Stick slices or rings of pineapple on the grill brushed with a little icing sugar. When ready, serve with a coconut ice cream. BANANA BOATS Fill sliced bananas with chocolate chips and nuts, wrap in foil and grill. Serve with whipped cream. SPONGE KEBABS Thread cubes of sponge cake, any flavour, on to skewers with fruit like strawberries or bananas. GRILLED PEACHESWITH CHERRY SAUCE Dot halved peaches with butter and wrap in foil. While grilling, sauté pitted cherries with some sugar and balsamic vinegar. Reduce until syrupy and serve with peaches.

The Kintbury proprietors of BooBars, Sid Shepherd and his wife Charlotte, say they had travelled Route 66 to bring back the authentic taste of American barbecue. “These travels are what inspired us to create our very own slaws, rubs and sauces to complement classic barbecue favourites”. The meat at BooBars smokehouse is cooked low and slow for a minimum of 15 hours over a traditional wood fire which makes it “exceptionally tender with a rich smoky flavour”. Choose from burritos, chilli dogs and more. Open until 5pm Mon-Thursday and until 8pm Friday and Saturday.

The Crown Inn, Upton Upton, Andover SP11 0JS T: 01264 736044 www.thecrowninnupton.co.uk Newly-refurbished cosy pub with a lovely garden furnished with bespoke tables and chairs. They fire up their drumbecue often and cook amazing meat and fish. And if there’s a downpour the inside is simply a lovely place to while away a few hours.

Bluegrass 15 Gun Street, Reading RG1 2JR T: 01189 599112 www.bluegrass-bbq.com

From burgers to pulled pork, baby back ribs and barbecue pit beans, this is down home cooking in wood smokers from a chain restaurant. But if you are looking for good ol’ smoked food, you will be happy – especially with their huge platters.

There are even sandwiches from Texas, Kansas, Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama – along with lighter dishes such as jacket potatoes with a choice of smoky fillings. Salads are also available.

CORNucopia Everyone loves a barbecued corn on the cob. Why not try this Mexican version? Boil your cobs for 10 minutes then brush with melted butter and put on the grill. When ready roll in a tray of grated parmesan cheese and sprinkle with paprika. Serve with lime quarters to squeeze over.

Snelsmore Common Want to have your own barbecue in an open space? You can hire a barbecue pit in the picnic area of Snelsmore Common – perfect for large groups. Let the children run around and explore the common while you get the sausages and burgers on the go.

31