Out & About July 2017

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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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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