It seemed that the enticing, tell-tale aroma of al fresco, barbecued cooking was an ever-present constituent of our heatwave summer. Fragrances that hung in the still air and made mouths salivate.
But there is a growing movement which questions why such delights should be reserved only for the garden in summer months. The trend for year-round outdoor kitchens and dining has really gained momentum in recent years.
Cobham-based Kitchen in the Garden, located at Cedar Nursery is considered a specialist in this field. It says, “Outdoor cooking is all about delicious food and fun with family and friends all year round; it creates the perfect space for entertaining.
Guests can gather around the grill and socialise as dinner is prepared. Add patio heaters, furnishings, lights or a pergola and you really can enhance your lifestyle with all-season al fresco dining. Even the turkey for Christmas!”
Traditional Sussex outdoor kitchen by Kitchen in the garden
The company highlights the many benefits of considering an outdoor kitchen. For example, it allows you to expand your living space.
No need to add on a room with walls and a roof; simply incorporate the space you already have on your patio.
It can also increase the value of your home; because of the popularity of this home improvement, remodellers can earn a high rate of return on their financial investment.
Because most of today’s appliances are made from stainless steel, they are designed to handle all the seasons without deterioration.
Plus of course, outdoor grills, wood-fired ovens and things such as teppanyaki plates all make for a healthier way of cooking.
Kitchen in the Garden sells the leading brands of BBQs and outdoor cooking equipment, all of the highest quality with extensive warranties.
The design process
Kitchen in the Garden can offer the complete service from design to local installation, or simply design and supply, if it’s part of a bigger project where hard landscapers are already on site. Always the first step though is to get an appreciation of just how the client will use their outdoor kitchen.
Cook outdoors and embrace the fresh air
Understanding their preferred cooking tastes and the dishes that they enjoy, and for how many, will help to decide the list of components and products needed.
Then with an insight into preferred styles and materials, and having viewed the garden layout, the Company creates a 3D computer-aided design which allows it to establish a materials list and provide cost estimates.
State of the art
The design is then optimised and the final details, such as the precise stone for the worktop established, and a firm cost provided. If desired a 3D movie visualisation can be commissioned; which provides an incredibly lifelike tour of the final project outcome.
“Seeing the design as it would appear in the client’s actual garden is really useful,” and of course it allows them to perfect the plan before a block is laid, or a hole dug.”
Types of outdoor kitchens
Bespoke:
Essentially this is a kitchen without walls. Having a custom built-in fitted outdoor kitchen means clients can have integrated appliances, storage, and counter space, as well as the most flexibility in terms of matching the kitchen’s materials and style to its surroundings. It is ideal for larger layouts or as part of a whole garden makeover.
Island:
Opting for prefabricated units rather than having a custom-designed outdoor kitchen cuts down on time and cost because the design work is already done.
And, whilst not designed to be moved on a regular basis, if the client relocates, their kitchen can come too.
Modular:
These outdoor kitchens are an easy and budget-friendly way to add a kitchen to a garden or patio. They can provide flexibility and functionality without having to get a complete bespoke design. C
lients simply choose their units, in the way they would an indoor kitchen, and then select components to create an outdoor space that suits their cooking and lifestyle.
Kitchen in the Garden are located at Cedar Nursery, Horsley Road, East Horsley, Cobham KT11 3JX Tel: 01932 862473
Read this and other articles packed with ideas for your home and garden at this time of the year in our autumn edition.
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