Sociable Britons spend more on BBQs than on holidays abroad

PA

Britons are set to spend almost £200 more on hosting and attending BBQs this summer than on their holiday abroad.

Party-goers say they are splashing out £742 on going to BBQs but their foreign holiday costs them £543 per person on average.

People may not be as cash strapped as feared. Around 75% of people surveyed in The Pimms Summer Socialising Report plan to host up to five barbeques this summer - and splash out £142 on their guests at each event.

One in five hosts are prepared to foot the total bill themselves and do not expect guests to bring anything. However, surprisingly, a third of them ask guests to bring along their own tableware, doilies and crockery - and one in 10 even admits to asking guests to bring their own coals and firelighters to an BBQ.

Friends, however, are happy to share the cost and say they will happily shell out £27 on food, drinks and gifts for every summer get-together they attend.

Fortunately, nearly half of those surveyed (48%) agree that the cost is worth it as catching up with friends and having a good time is a top priority.

Emma Sherwood-Smith, a spokesperson for Pimms, said: "There's no question that summer socialising is a top priority for Brits...so the thought of spending a little extra is a cost we're willing to pay to have fun with friends during the summer."