The sunny spring weather means many of us will be dusting off the barbecue this weekend.
And from Monday we'll be able to invite family and friends to join us provided we stay a safe distance of two metres away from members of other households.
Lockdown restrictions will be relaxed further, Boris Johnson announced on Thursday, allowing up to six people to meet outdoors - including in gardens for the first time.
If you're planning a barbecue for your own household this weekend - or thinking ahead to future gatherings - these handy tips will help you up your grill game.
It goes without saying of course, but be careful around open flames and hot coals, especially if you have kids.
Make sure you read the safety tips issued by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service at the bottom of this page before you fire up the barbie.
And be extra careful if you are meeting family and friends in future, following the latest Government advice on outdoor gatherings at the bottom of this page.
No firelighters? No problem
If you've forgotten to pick up firelighters or can't find any, a trip to the local shop or garage would normally be your first port of call.
But since we're only allowed to leave the house for essential supplies, have a rummage in your recycling bin for a cardboard egg carton instead.
Pop a charcoal brick in each slot, place the carton inside your barbecue and then light the cardboard..
We've tried and tested it, and it got it glowing nicely.
If you have skewers, use two
Ever tried to flip a kebab or vegetable skewer only for the uncooked parts to keep twirling around and evading the grill?
That's because you're only using one skewer. Use two instead. It'll make turning your food much easier.
If you're using wooden skewers, don't forget to soak them in water before you use them to prevent them from burning.
If you don't, use rosemary
If you haven't got any skewers, and happen to have rosemary to hand - either in your kitchen or growing in your garden - you can use the sprigs to skewer meat and vegetables with instead.
It'll also add extra flavour to whatever you're cooking too.
Use half an onion to clean the grill
Hands down the least appealing part of barbecuing is scrubbing down the grill first.
Because, let's face it, nobody ever does it straight after cooking, do they? You've got to wait for it to cool down first and then it invariably gets forgotten about until three months later when the sun deigns to make its next appearance.
Which means you're usually faced with a grease-caked grill to tackle before you can get started.
But there's an easier way. This time, when you've finished grilling, cut an onion in half and spear it with a barbecue fork.
While the grill's still hot, give it a good rub with the cut onion - its moisture and acidity will help to break down grime and grit. A spritz of lemon juice or vinegar will help too.
Your future self will thank you for it.
Create a half and half barbecue/oven
Put your charcoal or briquettes towards the back of the barbecue when you light them, leaving an empty space at the front.
It'll give you the temperature control to be able to grill food over the hottest part, then pull it to the front and close the lid to cook it in more gentle oven-like heat.
It works best for larger cuts of meat that you need to sear first, before cooking more slowly.
Don't forget dessert
Why should savoury food have all the fun?
Get a banana, cut a slit down one long side (being careful not to poke the knife all the way through) and stuff in some chunks of chocolate and a few mini marshmallows if you have any.
Cradle it in tin foil and then cook it on the barbecue until the skins blacken and the filling melts.
Add a scoop of ice cream to make it extra indulgent.
The latest Government advice on barbecues with family and friends
From Monday June 1, up to six people will be able to meet outdoors for the first time since lockdown began.
This applies to gardens as well as parks, the Prime Minister has confirmed.
Mr Johnson said barbecues must be 'scrupulous and careful' and added that people should not stay overnight at the houses of family or friends.
He also cautioned against meeting multiple households 'in quick succession'.
Professor Chris Whitty, the government's chief medical advisor, has warned that infection could be spread by passing around food and plates - so it may be a good idea to bring your own or ask your guests to do so.
He advised that a person using a toilet at another's house during a meeting must 'wipe everything down' and continue to thoroughly wash their hands.
The usual distancing and safety guidance should continue to be followed, including staying at least two metres away from anyone you do not live with, and regularly washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
BBQ safety advice from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
- Make sure your barbecue is in good working order and use it on a flat area well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or anything else that could catch fire
- Keep a bucket of water and/or a hose pipe to hand in case of emergencies
- Never leave the barbecue unattended and keep kids and pets well away
- Concentrate on what you're doing - and remember, alcohol increases the risk of accidents. Drink in moderation, or once you've finished cooking
- Never use petrol or paraffin to start your barbecue or to revive it if it goes out
- Never place sealed tins or cans on the barbecue
- Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about 50mm (two inches)
- Never light barbecues indoors or on balconies
- Wait until the barbecue has cooled before moving it and never put ashes straight into a bin - they could melt the plastic and cause a fire
