Barbecues beat picnics

August 03, 2013, 9:32 AM GMT+0

Sizzling sausage or cucumber sandwich? The public prefer barbecues – picnics are a thing of the past

The picnic has been a symbol of English elegance since 1748, when Lord Chesterfield associated the word with a sophisticated social gathering, according to the OED. But a new poll by YouGov finds them outdone by barbecues, which are the al-fresco choice of the younger generation.

A third (34%) of British adults prefer barbecues to picnics, while a quarter (26%) favour picnics. 31% like them both just as much however, and 8% don’t like either.

For the younger generation, barbecues are the clear first choice. Only 11% of 18-24 year olds favour picnics, while the majority (55%) prefer barbecues. And the trend continues up the scale: barbecues are less and picnics more favourable at older ages, with those over 60 preferring a picnic by 31%-24%.

In July the UK experienced its first heatwave for seven years. In light of the health warnings that were issued, picnics could be the safer option for such weather, as according to scientists from the American Chemical Association the cucumber sandwich, a signature dish of the English picnic, is the best thing to eat to regulate body temperature and avoid dehydration during a heatwave.

Image courtesy of Getty Images

See the full poll results

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