So, what is a barbecue hut? Often referred to as a BBQ hut, BBQ Lodge or grill cabin, a barbecue hut is a timber-built garden structure designed around a central BBQ or fire pit.
What is a Barbecue hut?
Barbecue huts are inspired by the Scandinavian ‘grillkota’, which has its roots in Lapland, the northernmost part of Finland, Sweden, and Norway. Originally, similar timber-built huts were used by the Sami people, the indigenous reindeer herders of the Arctic. Living in extremely harsh conditions, the Sami built compact, circular huts known as “kotas” – designed with a central fire to provide warmth and a place to cook, rest, and socialise during long, cold winters.
The circular shape of these huts, along with inward-facing seating and a central hearth, helped conserve heat and fostered a strong sense of community. In these structures, the fire wasn’t just for food – it was the heart of the home, where stories were shared and survival was supported by togetherness.
Modern BBQ huts take inspiration from these age-old traditions, combining the cosiness, warmth, and communal feel of the Sami grillkota with contemporary comfort and craftsmanship. The result is a structure that brings that same sense of connection and practicality into today’s gardens, where instead of sheltering from Arctic winds, you’re gathering with friends, cooking dinner, and enjoying meaningful moments year-round.
Designed for Connection and Comfort
What sets a BBQ hut apart from other garden buildings is its inward-facing seating and central fire feature, creating a naturally sociable layout that invites conversation. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, Sunday roast cooked over the coals, or simply an impromptu family catch-up, the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming.
Children love the sense of adventure, adults appreciate the comfort, and everyone ends the night with full bellies and happy memories. From coffee mornings to mulled cider evenings, these huts make every occasion feel special
Make the Most of Your Garden All Year Round
Many gardens go underused during colder months – but a barbecue hut changes that completely. Insulated, weatherproof, and fitted with double glazing and ventilation, you can enjoy your BBQ Lodge through every season. It becomes a true extension of your home; part garden room, part dining space, part fireside retreat.
Whether you’re toasting marshmallows in December or enjoying a midsummer supper with friends, your BBQ hut makes the outdoors accessible and inviting year-round.
Perfect for Family Time and Entertaining
We live in a busy world, and time together can feel limited. A BBQ hut brings people back around the table (or the fire). Cooking becomes a shared experience, and without screens or distractions, the simple act of gathering together becomes more meaningful.
And it’s not just for family—BBQ Lodges are the ultimate space for entertaining. Host dinner parties, fire-cooked feasts, or drinks with friends, all within a warm, intimate setting that feels far away from the everyday.
A Barbecue Hut Designed to Fit Your Lifestyle
One of the great things about a barbecue hut is how easily it can be personalised to suit your life and how you use your outdoor space. Whether your focus is family time, entertaining, or simply creating a peaceful retreat at the end of the garden, there are ways to make your BBQ hut work beautifully for you.
Some people choose to add handmade table tops to create more dining space, or include cushions and lighting to make it extra cosy. Others like to include a bar area for drinks with friends, or keep things simple with a few traditional Scandinavian-style touches that reflect the origins of the hut.
You can even adapt the space for different purposes over time—perhaps a reading nook in the mornings, and a lively spot for BBQ suppers at the weekend. However you imagine using your hut, it can be shaped around you.
Come and Experience the BBQ Hut Lifestyle for Yourself
Still wondering what is a barbecue hut and what it could look like in your own garden? The best way to find out is to see one in person. At our show site in Taunton, Somerset, you can explore the full range of styles and sizes, get a feel for the space, and start imagining how it might fit into your own outdoor life.
Because in the end, a BBQ hut is more than just a garden building it’s about extending your home outdoors, bringing people together and creating a space where everyday moments become special.
So, what is a barbecue hut? It’s a cosy, firelit space made for connection, comfort, and year-round enjoyment and it might just become your new favourite place to be!
