Summer's calling. And if you’re like most of us who cherish those golden hour garden gatherings and chilled drinks around sizzling grills, then it’s time to talk about the heart of your backyard – your brick BBQ. Sure, you can buy one off the shelf, but where’s the fun in that? Customizing your brick BBQ isn’t just about adding character; it’s about making it uniquely yours.
Whether you’re a weekend grill warrior or the designated host for every family event, your BBQ setup should reflect your style, cooking habits, and taste. And trust us, with a few thoughtful upgrades and a sprinkle of creativity, even a basic brick BBQ can turn into a backyard masterpiece.
So let’s dive into how you can customize your brick BBQ for that perfect, personal touch – and yes, we’ll chat about Cyprus BBQs, spit roast machines, and even a few nods to tradition like a Cypriot BBQ setup.
Start With the Basics: Your Brick BBQ Structure
A solid brick BBQ is a blank canvas. Whether you’ve built it using a DIY kit or hired a mason to get things started, the structure is your foundation. But it doesn’t have to stay plain.
Customization Tip #1 – Switch Up the Brickwork
Choose bricks with character. Go for reclaimed red bricks for a rustic charm or slick black engineering bricks for a modern, minimalist look. Mixing in patterned or colored bricks as accents can also add a distinctive edge. Think of it like creating a feature wall – but one that cooks steak.
Customization Tip #2 – Add Levels
Why stick to a single cooking height? Incorporate shelves, prep areas, or even a low-set charcoal warming zone. The multi-level look doesn’t just give your BBQ a designer edge; it also adds serious function.
Bring in Mediterranean Influence: The Cyprus BBQ Touch
Cyprus BBQs have become increasingly popular in the UK – and it’s easy to see why. Originating from traditional Cypriot cooking, these setups are often compact, vertical systems that use skewers (or souvla) to grill meat slowly over charcoal.
Customization Tip #3 – Add a Rotating Skewer System
This is where the Cyprus BBQ inspiration really shines. Fit your brick BBQ with a rotating skewer mechanism – either manual or motorized – so you can cook lamb, pork, or chicken in true Mediterranean fashion. A Cypriot BBQ setup can be easily built into your brick structure with a bit of planning.
Customization Tip #4 – Decorative Tiles or Stonework
If you want to lean further into the Mediterranean vibe, consider finishing your BBQ area with colorful tiles, mosaic accents, or whitewashed stone. Think Santorini meets Sussex. The end result? A grill area that looks like it belongs in a seaside taverna.
Upgrade Your Cooking Options: Add a Spit Roast Machine
Let’s get serious – if you’re feeding a crowd, a grill alone might not cut it. Enter the spit roast machine.
Customization Tip #5 – Integrate a Spit Roast Setup
A spit roast machine can be integrated into your brick BBQ setup for those times you want to roast a whole leg of lamb or a small pig. Go for a setup that allows the machine to be removed when not in use. Many models come with stainless steel rods, adjustable brackets, and powerful motors – perfect for slow, even cooking.
Not only does it up your hosting game, but a spit roast creates an unforgettable centrepiece. And yes, your guests will definitely take photos.
Personal Touches That Elevate Style and Comfort
A unique BBQ isn’t just about what it cooks – it’s also about how it looks and feels. Comfort, atmosphere, and style go hand in hand.
Customization Tip #6 – Ambient Lighting
Install subtle LED strip lighting under your prep counters or along the base of the BBQ. Want more character? Use string lights overhead or lanterns hung from nearby trees. You’re not just grilling – you’re setting a scene.
Customization Tip #7 – Build-In Seating and Shade
Consider building a bench into your BBQ area using matching brick or stone. Add cushions, throws, or weather-resistant fabric in colors that complement your setup. Shade structures like wooden pergolas or sail shades can make your space feel more like an outdoor room than just a cooking corner.
Functional Enhancements You’ll Appreciate
Sure, beauty matters, but functionality is what will keep you loving your BBQ setup for years.
Customization Tip #8 – Add a Prep Station
Use granite, stainless steel, or polished concrete to create a prep area next to your grill. This gives you space to season meats, chop vegetables, and serve up your culinary creations without running back and forth to the kitchen.
Customization Tip #9 – Install Storage Nooks
Use leftover bricks to build under-counter storage areas for charcoal, wood, or utensils. Keep it practical – open shelves are easy, but doors made of weatherproof timber or metal can protect your gear from the elements.
Customization Tip #10 – Include a Sink (If You Can)
If plumbing isn’t a problem, a sink next to your grill can be a game-changer. It makes hand-washing, rinsing food, and cleaning up after a breeze.
Blend Cultures for a One-of-a-Kind BBQ Experience
What makes a BBQ unique isn’t just the structure, but the style of cooking it allows. A hybrid design can combine classic British grilling with Mediterranean methods – and even beyond.
Customization Tip #11 – Add a Cyprus BBQ Corner
If space allows, build a smaller side grill dedicated to Cypriot-style cooking. These vertical grills use rotating skewers over narrow charcoal channels – ideal for souvlaki, sheftalia, or halloumi skewers. A Cypriot BBQ unit can also be portable, giving you flexibility.
Customization Tip #12 – Create a Fire Pit or Pizza Oven Add-On
Who says your BBQ has to do all the work? Adding a fire pit or even a small brick pizza oven nearby can make your backyard the ultimate food hub. It creates zones for different styles of cooking – and keeps guests engaged.
Finish Strong With Accessories That Matter
Sometimes, it’s the little things that elevate your BBQ experience from functional to fabulous.
Customization Tip #13 – Pick Statement Tools
Get high-quality, stainless steel BBQ tools – and store them in style. Wall-mounted racks or magnetic strips (like those used in kitchens) keep your tools tidy and within reach.
Customization Tip #14 – Go for Themed Tableware
Use ceramics, wooden serving boards, or copper utensils that match your BBQ's vibe. If you’re embracing the Cyprus BBQ style, look for Mediterranean patterns and earthy tones.
Customization Tip #15 – Personalize With Signage or Art
A custom nameplate, a sign with a cheeky BBQ quote, or metal wall art can add that final, fun touch. Make your BBQ feel like a destination, not just an appliance.
Conclusion: Make It Yours
Customizing your brick BBQ isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about making your outdoor space work for you. Whether you’re incorporating Mediterranean inspiration with a Cypriot BBQ, adding a robust spit roast machine, or just tweaking your brickwork for style, the key is to design something that reflects your tastes and hosting style.
Don’t be afraid to mix materials, blend cooking styles, or go bold with your design. After all, the best BBQs aren’t just built – they’re curated.
Now grab your tongs, fire up the coals, and get ready to turn your garden into the ultimate grilling destination. Because nothing says “summer” like a customized brick BBQ built to impress.
Comments
0 comment