logo
Six of the best barbecue beers — chosen by our expert

Six of the best barbecue beers — chosen by our expert

Times10-07-2025
W hat makes a beautiful barbecue beverage? That's in the eye of the beer-holder. For me, nothing pairs better with barbecued food than beer — but which one?
No one can say you've got beer wrong if you just want a few cold tinnies in the sunshine. And when the food comes out, the chilled, fizzy bite of a lager cuts through fatty sausages and burgers and refreshes the palate.
But there are beers that can do much more, enhancing the occasion in different ways. Good barbecue beers transcend traditional categories and styles. Depending on how ambitious you're feeling, pretty much any beer could play a role.
If it's hot, of course you'll want something cold and refreshing. But if you're starting early you may also want to go steady on the buzz. Few hangovers are worse than those that start while you're still in the full glare of the summer sun. So maybe choose something relatively low in alcohol, that's still crisp and satisfying.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Simple 35p hack instantly banishes smelly drains – and you already have it in your kitchen cupboard
Simple 35p hack instantly banishes smelly drains – and you already have it in your kitchen cupboard

The Sun

time3 hours ago

  • The Sun

Simple 35p hack instantly banishes smelly drains – and you already have it in your kitchen cupboard

THERE'S nothing more off-putting in the summer than the smell of drains in your bathroom or kitchen. Not only is it hard to ignore, but the smell can linger for days, especially in the sunshine and warm weather. 3 That is because the summer heat creates the perfect storm for drain problems, which can turn the cleanest room into a source of bad smells. Luckily, experts have shared their fool-proof top tips to stop your drains from smelling this summer. And one handy trick only costs 35p - and you might even already have it in your kitchen cupboard. Peter Jones, Director of specialist plumbing firm ADI Leak Detection, revealed that all you need is some white vinegar. Explaining why the issue is worse in summer, he said: 'Most people don't realise that hot weather is like rocket fuel for the bacteria living in their drains. 'What starts as a minor issue in spring can become a real problem by July if you don't know what to do about it. Peter JonesDirector of ADI Leak Detection 'When it's hot outside, the temperature in your pipes goes up too. 'Bacteria love warm, moist environments, so they multiply much faster in summer. Summer weather also causes water in your drain traps - those U-shaped bends under sinks and in floor drains - to evaporate more quickly. He added: 'Those water traps are there for a reason. They create a barrier that stops sewer gases from coming up through your drains. The cable-tie-scissor trick plumbers swear by to get hair clogs out of your drain & it's WAY better than pricey liquids "When that water evaporates faster in hot weather, you lose that protection and start smelling what's lurking down below.' Peter said that white vinegar is the one product that beats expensive drain cleaners every time. He revealed: 'White vinegar is brilliant for this job. "It's antibacterial, it neutralises odours instantly, and it's completely safe for your pipes. "Best of all, it costs pennies compared to shop-bought drain cleaners.' The trick is simple but effective, and Peter recommends mixing one cup of white vinegar with warm water. 'The vinegar kills bacteria on contact and breaks down any gunk that's built up in your pipes. "Plus, it's eco-friendly and won't damage your plumbing like some harsh chemicals can.' Peter breaks down exactly how to do this properly for maximum effect. Mix Your Solution - Combine one cup of white vinegar with an equal amount of warm water. He says: 'The warm water helps the vinegar work more effectively." Pour Slowly Down Each Drain - Start with your sink drain, then move to floor drains if you have them. Pour the mixture slowly to ensure it coats the sides of the pipes. Let It Sit - 'Give it at least 15 minutes to work its magic,' advises Peter. 'The vinegar needs time to kill the bacteria and break down any buildup." Flush With Hot Water Finish by running hot water down the drain for about 30 seconds to wash everything away. Other ways to keep your drains fresh PETER says that prevention is key for problems like this, as it's easier to nip it in the bid than it is to get rid of it once it starts. So he has shared additional tips to prevent problems before they take hold. He suggests: "Keep your water traps topped up, especially if you have drains you don't use often. 'Run water down them at least once a week to make sure that protective barrier stays in place.' Peter also recommends cleaning drain covers regularly. He adds: 'Hair, soap scum, and other debris collect around the edges. "A quick wipe with antibacterial cleaner once a week makes a huge difference.' Most importantly, Peter warns against letting grease and food waste go down bathroom sinks. He said: 'I know it's tempting to rinse greasy face creams or makeup down the sink, but that stuff builds up and creates the ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive.' The expert added: "What's great about this vinegar method is its simplicity. "You don't need special equipment or expensive products, just something most people already have at home. "I've been in the plumbing business for over a decade, and I've seen homeowners spend hundreds on professional drain cleaning when a weekly cup of vinegar would have solved the problem. 'During peak summer months, I recommend doing this every week, without fail. "If you're dealing with particularly stubborn smells, you can safely do it twice a week until the problem clears up. "The key is consistency, as it's much easier to prevent bacteria buildup than it is to get rid of it once it's established. "A few minutes of prevention each week could save you hundreds in repair bills down the line.'

I'm a garden expert – bathroom staple could give your furniture an instant makeover
I'm a garden expert – bathroom staple could give your furniture an instant makeover

The Sun

time7 hours ago

  • The Sun

I'm a garden expert – bathroom staple could give your furniture an instant makeover

NOW that summer is well underway, there has never been a more perfect time to get out and relax in the garden. It can be the perfect place to put your feet up, relax, and take in the sunshine while enjoying the greenery. 3 3 3 But without our recent flip-flop weather, one minute our outdoor furniture will look great, and the next it will need another clean and wipe down. Items like chairs and tables are magnets for dirt and grime, and even just one day of heavy rain and wind can be enough for them to get dirty all over again. But did you know that one small, bathroom staple could effortlessly give it a new lease of life? Garden pros have revealed that a toothbrush can be a useful tool for a deep clean. And they have urged homeowners to think twice about tossing their old toothbrushes before using them to spruce up their outdoor furniture. Bradley Spencer, of garden furniture specialists Royal Finesse, revealed that it works on all types of surfaces. He said: 'The unpredictable weather can leave garden furniture looking less than its best at times. 'A regular deep clean can not only protect the longevity and functionality of outdoor items but give them an instant makeover too. 'With wooden furniture, it's recommended to use a soft cloth or sponge and water mixed with a mild soap to wipe dirt off the surfaces. 'A soft-bristle toothbrush can be used to remove dirt and loose debris from crevices and hard-to-reach spots, taking care not to damage the wood by scrubbing too hard. 'I was quoted £10,000 for a garden renovation but did it MYSELF for £1,000 using ChatGPT to show my kids what single mums can do' 'White vinegar mixed with water can also be useful for tackling any stubborn dirt. 'Finally, give the item a rinse with clean water to remove any lingering soap or vinegar and allow to dry. 'You might be surprised just how much of a difference a deep clean can make to your garden furniture. "And it can give the entire outdoor space a makeover, too.' According to Bradley, good-quality wooden garden furniture can last decades if cared for properly. He recommends conducting a deep clean at least twice a year. And he said reapplying a sealant or protective oil can go a long way to maintaining its longevity. When not in use through the winter, protective covers can be used to keep the elements at bay. Or if possible, it can be moved into an indoor area such as a shed if practical. Bradley also warns against a common mistake some people make while cleaning their garden furniture. He added: 'Using a pressure washer to clean wooden garden furniture can be risky as it may cause damage if not done properly. 'The powerful blasts can damage the protective coating, cause chips in the wood and make it more vulnerable to water and sun damage.' The mistake that could wreck your outdoor furniture IF you want to make sure that you don't accidentally ruin your outdoor furniture during the hot weather then you might want to take note. Experts have revealed that there is a huge garden mistake you could be making during the hot temperatures that could wreck your outdoor space. Since Scotland gets a lot of wet and windy weather - at the tail end of the year - most homeowners cover up their beloved garden furniture over winter. But leaving this on when the weather is hot and sunny could actually cause anything that is under it to MELT. As a result, outdoor expert Andrew White from Harbour Lifestyle has urged homeowners to remove their covers now before they permanently damage their outdoor furniture. He said: "When the temperature is rising, it is important to remove your garden furniture covers. "Most garden furniture covers are lined with PVC to repel the elements during wet weather. "But when they are placed under a direct heat source such as the sun, they can actually melt and leave a residue or stain on your furnishings. 'Some materials in lower quality, less expensive furnishings can become brittle if left in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. "To prevent fading and breakage, you should ensure your furniture is well-shaded during sunny periods.

Four savvy summer mealtime tactics to stop your youngsters swerving vegetables
Four savvy summer mealtime tactics to stop your youngsters swerving vegetables

The Sun

time18 hours ago

  • The Sun

Four savvy summer mealtime tactics to stop your youngsters swerving vegetables

SCHOOL'S out and fussy kids are home. If you have youngsters who like to swerve vegetables, it is time to be more cunning. 7 Camouflage carrots and conceal courgettes with these stealth summer mealtime tactics. RETURN OF THE MAC: Mac and cheese is a family favourite, but usually lacks any vitamin-packed vegetables. Give it a goodness upgrade by stirring cooked, pureed cauliflower into the cheese sauce. Invisible and ingenious, it makes the sauce even creamier. If you really want to push your luck, you could mash some roasted, pureed butternut squash into the cheese sauce, with or without the cauliflower. SOUPER IDEA: A lovely soup with a sweet edge can swing even the strongest anti-veg eaters. It is also a great way to use up leftover bits in the fridge. Cook up chunks of almost any vegetable including carrots, cabbage, tomatoes and peppers and add them to a saucepan of vegetable stock with two chopped potatoes and a can of sweetcorn. Once the veg is soft, whizz it up in a food mixer until smooth. Sieve it if you need to eliminate any last lumps. Add it back to the pan with a spoonful of cream or cream cheese. PASS THE PASTA: It is easy to hide a whole pile of vegetables in a pasta sauce. But greens, such as broccoli and spinach, will turn a tomato sauce brown so stick to red peppers, carrots and celery for stealth goodness. Add them when cooking the sauce, then puree at the end to make a delicious smooth topping. Make double to also use on sliced muffins topped with cheese as mini pizzas. MEAT AND FOUR VEG: Meaty sauces make it even easier for veggies to appear incognito. Whizz up carrot, pepper, celery, onion and garlic in a food mixer to make tiny pieces. Add them to a meaty bolognese sauce, made with mince and chopped tomatoes. Then add a tin of green lentils to the mixture. Everyone will gobble it up. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability Deal of the day 7 PERFECT for a small space, the Jude oak effect ladder console dressing table is down from £450 to £199 in the clearance section at Cheap treat SAVE a space in your picnic bags for a pack of seven McVitie's Penguins, down from £1.86 to 98p at Asda. Top swap 7 7 TUCK into Belvita Soft Bakes Choc Chips cereal bars, £2.95 for a pack of five at Morrisons, or share out a box of Lidl's Crownfield chocolate chip soft bakes, £1.49. SAVE: £1.46 Shop & save TREAT yourself or a friend to the Katie Loxton Ooh La La pouch in store at John Lewis, down from £19.99 to £9.99. Hot right now PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store