Chelsea Brownhill takes us on an international tour around the world of barbecues.

It’s hard to imagine a summer without the great British BBQ. Inviting all your friends and family over to eat mountains of food (and drink plenty of beer) because you witnessed a hint of sun, only to find it inevitably starts to drizzle once you’ve started sizzling the sausages. There’s absolutely nothing better. But how do other countries barbecue?

Let’s start with the best-known BBQ country, Australia. Alongside stunning scenery, and stiflingly hot weather (no need for BBQ gazebos), Australia has managed to make barbecuing a national pastime, with beach-barbecues on Christmas day being a common sight. Barbecue meats like prawns (they’re not called shrimps down under, that’s the power of advertising), emu and kangaroo.

The Korean barbecue, also known as Gogigui, is legendary in the grilled meat world. It incorporates a selection of beautifully marinated meats, often served at the dinner table through a grill built directly into the table. The meats are usually marinated with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and pepper, and can be wrapped in lettuce. The Korean barbecue is increasing in popularity, so this summer perhaps dine out at a Korean restaurant, or attempt the recipes yourself.

Equally renowned for its BBQ lifestyle is the United States of America. Fierce barbeque competitions take place yearly, and barbecued food is a massive tradition for Independence Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day celebrations. Like Australia, the American BBQ originated from the convenience of outside eating for the European settlers. Techniques differ between hot smoking (wood fire at 180°F), and smoke cooking (indirect heat at a higher temperature), each providing the food with a beautifully smoky taste. To taste the true American experience, you can slather some tangy BBQ sauce on top of your meat.

So, if you wish to impress your (slightly soaked) family and friends at the British BBQ this year, perhaps take some inspiration from the methods of our barbecuing allies. After all, barbecues are mouth-watering no matter where you are.

Korean BBQ Grill Plate. Info: www.mykoreankitchen.com; The American BBQ Company. Info: www.americanbbq.co.uk