How to conquer Britain’s unpredictable summer weather

We all look forward to the summer holidays, but like many things, they don’t always live up to our expectations. Particularly when we think about the infamous, unpredictable British summer weather. Ever switching from one extreme to the next, we go from sunshine and to a gloomy winter-like day in a split second.

Accommodating such weather conditions can be a challenge – but Bark.com are here to relieve some of that pressure. Whether it’s helping to keep the kids busy on a cloudy day, or planning that summer party with a big dark cloud lurking over you, or simply finding a new summer hobby, we’ve selected our top picks to conquer the unpredictable British summer.

Kick up a sweat: Summer is a great time to start thinking about getting into shape. However, while a refreshing jog in the park to get you beach body ready can seem like a great idea, the fun tends to come to a halt when the heavens open. If that’s the case, why not try some indoor fitness activities such as Pilates, Yoga or even Zumba if you’re in the dancing mood? Taking part in one of these classes is also a great way to meet new people. Find local Zumba classes here.

Zumba dance lessons
Zumba classes in full flow!

Get hands on: If even just the thought of getting active gets you breaking out into a cold sweat, then perhaps something recreational is a bit more up your street. Whether it’s taking a cookery class using seasonal produce or learning how to paint or sculpt, the unpredictable weather could give you a creative kick-start! It’s the perfect time to pick up a new hobby. If you’re keen to know what is filling the plates at this year’s summers parties then check here!

Arts crafts painting
Get crafty!

Grab the popcorn: If you’re more of a ‘night-in’ than ‘night-out’ person and don’t want to opt for an activity that requires a lot of energy, why not try a drive-in film club? As well as the great sense of nostalgia, it’s a perfect activity for both warm, dewy summer evenings and cloudy, rainy ones. Sit in your car or on the bonnet and sing along to classics such as Grease or Hairspray.

Drive in
Drive-in cinema

Host(ess) with the mostess: Whether for a special occasion or just for the sake of it, summer lends itself well to merriment, so while a spot of rain might be seen as a dampener on your barbeque garden party, there’s no need to cancel because the weather’s not playing ball! Make sure you prep in advance for all eventualities – renting a marquee for the evening will protect you from any rain as well as adding a professional touch to your soiree. Bark can easily help you find a DJ to spice things up inside or a magician to keep the kids (and the adults!) entertained. Don’t let the British weather rain on your parade.

Perfecting staycations: Most of us dream of exotic holidays abroad, but summer is also the perfect time to explore what’s right under our noses. Britain is brimming with its own fantastic attractions and landmarks so why not take the time to stroll around a museum or go on a guided tour to see and learn a bit more about ole Blighty (ideally choose one that takes place undercover!).

For more Bark.com tips, why not check out our other blogs?

Got your own suggestions for beating sudden summer downpours and thunderstorms? Give us a bark and let us know!

Food For Thought: What’s Filling Plates At This Year’s Summer Parties?

Here at Bark, we’re all food fanatics. Not a lunch can go by without somebody suggesting a stroll to the nearby food market to sample the somewhat absurd variety of cuisine there is on offer.

Interest in food has sky-rocketed in recent years, perhaps down to the explosion of ‘Food Porn’ imagery that is posted across social media each day. In fact, in the UK alone last year, the word ‘food’ was mentioned 155 million times by social media users, whilst the hashtag #foodporn was included in 50 million images on Instagram. From Poutine to Martinis, here’s what you’ll likely be dining on at this year’s summer parties.

The Reinvention of the Burger Ask anyone and they’ll say the same thing: ‘The Burger is a staple of any memorable summer party’. Yes, it’s usually overcooked to the point of oblivion and resembles more a hockey puck rather than something even remotely edible, but why complain? It’s just a beef burger, right? Wrong.

Pork Belly Burger. New burger trend
The burger will undergo a makeover of sorts this summer

Whereas sliders and posh burgers have dominated summers past, this year the twist is centred on what animal the burger on your plate actually derives from. Duck, lobster and pork belly are all vying to be the meat of choice in your burger this year, meaning you may need an animal picture chart to identify what you’re eating this summer.

Poutine: So what’s the perfect accompaniment to the burger? Chips, off course! Once again, much like the burger, there’s a twist on a Great British favourite this summer thanks to our Canadian friends across the pond. Put simply, Poutine is chips, cheese and gravy and it’s delicious. Its versatility is key; add something extra to it like pulled pork; your taste buds will forever be in your debt…

Poutine: Summer food trends 2015
The new accompaniment to a summer party

Love Your Lobster: Here’s something to sink your claws into: The UK is going cray-zy for Lobster. The rise of the likes of Burger & Lobster has made the food a lot more accessible and affordable, and we’re making the most of it. The Capital is slowly becoming packed full of Lobster pop-ups, market stalls and kitchens, and it makes for a perfect addition to a summer party. So next time you’re at a summer party, jump on the bandwagon and go for a mouth-watering Lobster Roll, the ideal summer seafood dish.

Lobster
Jump on the Lobster bandwagon this year

A Bitter Twist: No summer party is complete without a cocktail or three, and with that in mind, we’ve taken a look at what your party attendees will be sipping on this summer. Out are sugary cocktails such as your appletinis and your daiquiris; in is something a little more bitter. If you’re hosting a party soon, we suggest stocking up on Amaro and Campari. The bitter, the better, it seems.

Keep an eye out for Vermouth too; that’s also enjoying a moment, especially with its biggest advocate, Mr. James Bond, hitting our screens once again in his latest film, Spectre, this October. Anyone for a Martini? Shaken, not stirred, of course…

Bitter Cocktails Summer 2015
Cocktails this summer: The bitter, the better

Get The Scoop: So we’ve talked mains and what tipple to wash it down with, but what about dessert? There’s only one option to satisfy our sweet tooth this summer…Ice Cream. Homemade ice creams and sorbets are the scoop of the summer and they’re easy to make. Try to include fresh fruits such as raspberry or blueberry; the sharp, sweet flavour will clash nicely with those bitter cocktails we’ve just discussed, and the chilled texture will offer perfect respite to the summer heat. We can’t think of a more refreshing and cooler way to see out a summer party.

Home made Ice Cream and Sorbets
The scoop of the summer

Let’s Get Digital: Perhaps not quite a food trend for a Summer Party, but your smartphone is about to become a valuable dinner partner. This year has seen an upturn in the number of restaurants going digital. Be it paying for your meal via your iPhone, or booking a table or settling a bill amongst friends, your phone will make your dining experience a very interactive affair. And what kind of summer party is it if you don’t have a dedicated playlist? Apple’s newly launched streaming service, Apple Music, will help you here. Just leave the cooking to the expert.

Digital interaction is on the rise in dining
Digital interaction is on the rise in dining

Thinking of hosting a summer party this year but panicking at the thought of putting it altogether? Why not hire a caterer to do the job for you? All you’ll have to do is play the gracious host…

For more Bark.com tips and insight, why not check out our other blogs?

What are you hoping to see grace your plate at your summer party this year? Let us know