10 reasons why eating alfresco is the best!

In the summertime, we think there's no better place to enjoy a meal than outside... here's why.

1 - You can put some hours in on that tan of yours, which will have everyone green with envy

2 - In the summer, it's usually warmer yet less sticky outside

3 - There's endless space

4 - You can make a mess and it doesn't matter (as much)

5 - You can let the children go off and play whilst you enjoy a drink

6 - The view is guaranteed to be better

7 - The sun is a major source of Vitamin D, which makes you feel like this...

8 - Cooking on a BBQ can make anyone feel like a badass

9 - You can be at one with nature

10 - ...and you can enjoy it with soooo many more people

Recipe - Sizzlin’ Sea Bass with Fennel & Sweet Basil

One of the issues with UK BBQing is that we feel limited to the same sausage/burger scenario tossed in between a nondescript bap. Now, don't get us wrong, we love a good hotdog as much as Kel loves Orange Soda, but there is so much more you can do on a glorious grill. Here's one of our recipes from last year's campaign, produced by our very own Grillmaster; Sizzlin' Sea Bass with Fennel & Sweet Basil.



Serves 4


Sea Bass is probably my favourite fish and when grill-sautéed with fennel & basil, it simply moves onto another plane. The foil helps keep the fish moist and in-shape, if you feel brave try searing the skin and serve skin side-up! 

What you need:


Sea Bass fillets (unskinned) x 4
Fennel bulb – grated
4 finely sliced garlic cloves
5g roughly chopped sweet basil
5g chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 Lemon – sliced
10g sea salt & 5g black peppercorn
5g fennel seeds
25ml olive oil Plus 
4 sheets cooking foil 

What you do:


- Cut diagonal lines across skin of sea bass


- Mix fennel, garlic, basil, parsley and place equal amounts on each foil


- Place fish skin side up on top then sprinkle with salt, pepper and fennel seeds, drizzle over oil, place lemon slices on top then wrap foil over to form parcel.

- Place foil parcels on medium heat and grill for 4-5 minutes each side or until fish is opaque.

- Open up parcel and squeeze fresh lemon to taste

- Tuck in!

Who are we?

Over the past 19 years, we've been working with some of the worlds most beloved brands to help you enjoy a brighter summer. We essentially want to change the British attitude and adopt a Mediterranean way of living; fun, relaxed and alfresco! Let's stop complaining how hot it is (even though you've been LONGING for this weather throughout winter)... Let's ditch the chic makeshift handkerchief hat... Let's remove those socks from under the sandals! (Too far?)

What we're trying to say is, we love the summer and think it's best spent in the garden, with friends and family, enjoying delicious food and refreshing drinks! From June 2nd, two teams of brilliant alfresco chefs and trained Brand Believers are taking to the road for eleven weeks to showcase just how glorious life alfresco can be, giving away thousands of free food and drink samples along the way!

We'll be announcing this years extra-special sponsors very soon, so keep your eyes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for clues and the big announcement! 

p.s. There will be prizes to be won!

Gastro Alfresco 2015!

Welcome to the Gastro Alfresco blog, a place you can come for all things alfresco this summer. There'll be food, drink, recipes, tips, tricks and everything in-between to ensure that you make the most of the outdoors this summer!

Follow our crusade for a brighter summer on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.