Alice Whitehead

God of fire

Tip 1: Fire Kettle, fire pit or gas-guzzler? These days, there’s a barbecue to suit every backyard, but before you get burned by the price, think carefully about when, where, and how you will use it. Josh Sutton, the chef/writer behind the outdoor cooking guide GuyropeGourmet.com, offers a unique and money-saving solution: ‘My “1,600 rpm barbecue” is made from an old washing machine drum salvaged from a scrapyard and it’s perfect for cooking all the usual favourites. Once the cooking is done, it makes for a splendid and safe campfire as you throw in a few logs and get the guitars out.’ Tip 2: Fuel Let’s be honest, gas barbecues are essentially outdoor hobs.

Kitchen kit

Just as there are cat people and dog people, there are dishcloth people and dish brush people. Sometime around the age of 30 (usually after marriage), arguments surrounding the merits of brushes versus cloths seem to take on great importance and ferocity, but our own collection of washing bowl beauties are sure to stop the bickering, getting your glassware, cups and all those other hard to reach corners ship shape and ‘bristle’ fashion — with an added touch of style. Who said cleaning was dull? 1.Frugal If washing up has become a military operation then this humorous and handy brush will be a real trooper with a bearskin-style hat that’s ideal for getting to the bottom of glasses. Guardsman Dish Brush, £5.50, Heal’s, Tel: 08700 240 780, heals.co.