As the weather warms in the capital, many Londoners will be wondering where to get a barbecue with friends.
A lot London boroughs don’t allow barbecues in their public areas, and some of the capital’s green spaces also have limits on how many people can go on picnics without asking permission.
Barbecues are not allowed in London’s Royal Parks including St James’s Park, Kensington Gardens and Greenwich Park.
So what can you do in your area?
Research of Barratt London has revealed some public parks where barbecues are allowed.
This is Waterlow Highgate Park, Camden, where barbecues are allowed, as long as they are not disposable, in two parts of the park, and they must be extinguished by 7pm.
The council’s Cantelowes Gardens also allow barbecues in designated areas under similar rules.
Meanwhile, Lincoln’s Inn Fields also has designated areas, but similarly, barbecues must be over by dusk and disposable barbecues are not allowed.
The same is true for barbecues in Russell Square, according to the research.
In Southwark’s Burgess Park, barbecues are allowed in designated areas, but must be finished by 9pm.
You should also ask permission to have a barbecue in a structure that provides shade, such as a gazebo.
In the Sutton area, barbecues can be used at Roundshaw Downs and Roundshaw Park, but only at the designated stands.
There are two booths available on a first come, first served basis.
For picnics, the royal parks have different limits on numbers before permission must be sought and fees may become liable.
These range from a limit of 20 people in Green Park to 40 people in Richmond Park.
The BBQ rules in every London borough
Barking and Dagenham – Barbecues are not allowed in the parks and green spaces of Barking and Dagenham.
Barnet – Barnet Council does not allow barbecues in council parks.
Bexley – To protect parks, Bexley Borough Council has banned barbecues in the green spaces of the borough.
Brent – Brent Council has urged people not to hold barbecues after holes melted in a bank at a barbecue earlier this year. Violating this order can result in a fine of £100.
Bromley – After a spate of grass fires, barbecues are not allowed in Bromley Borough’s parks.
Camden – The municipality only allows barbecues between April 11 and September 20 and in certain areas. You should also only use approved barbecue fuel or firelighters.
Croydon – Barbecues are not allowed in Croydon’s parks or green areas.
Ealing – Barbecues are not allowed in Ealing’s parks or green spaces.
Enfield – It is illegal to barbecue in a park or open space in Enfield. Police and community officers enforce these statutes, city officials say.
Green wich – The use of barbecues or any form of open fire in the parks and open spaces of the Royal Borough of Greenwich is prohibited.
Hackney – Barbecues are not allowed in Hackney’s parks.
Hammersmith and Fulham – Barbecues and open fires are not allowed in the parks and open spaces of Hammersmith and Fulham unless part of an authorized event with special conditions.
Haringey – Council has called on people not to barbecue in their parks.
eg – Barbecues are not allowed in parks or green areas within the borough of Harrow.
oat ring – Like camping, barbecues and any other form of open fire are not allowed in green spaces controlled by the municipality.
Hillingdon – Barbecues and fires are not permitted in the Parks of Hillingdon or the surrounding woodlands.
Hounslow – Hounslow has a permanent ban on barbecues in all their parks.
Islington – The municipality banned barbecues during the lockdown. They are currently reviewing this policy, but currently they remain banned.
Kensington and Chelsea – The municipality does not allow open fires or barbecues under any circumstances.
Kingston – Kingston Council does not have areas designated for public barbecues and they do not encourage or allow barbecues in their parks.
Lambeth – Barbecues are not allowed in the Lambeth Parks or green spaces.
Lewisham – After a number of fires caused by barbecues and cigarettes, barbecuing is not allowed in Lewisham’s parks or green spaces, city officials say.
Merton – To protect the park and local wildlife, Merton Council does not allow the use of barbecues or open fires in any of its parks and open spaces.
Newham – Barbecues are not allowed in Newham Borough Council parks.
redbridge – Barbecues are not allowed in the parks under Redbridge Council.
Richmond upon Thames – Lighting fires or using barbecues in any of Richmond upon Thames’s parks and open spaces is against local ordinances and people doing so could be fined.
Southwark – The only park in Southwark where you can barbecue is Burgess Park.
Sutton – Barbecues can be used at Roundshaw Downs and Roundshaw Park. Barbecuing is only allowed at one of the two designated stands.
Tower Hamlets – This council also does not allow barbecues in their parks and open spaces.
Waltham Forest – Council officials said barbecues and loud parties are not allowed in their green spaces or parks. It is also not allowed to come together in large groups.
Wandsworth – Barbecues are not allowed in Wandsworth Parks and Commons.
Westminster – Barbecues of any kind are not permitted in the City of Westminster parks.