Boutique property company Nomad Developments offers luxury London homes, such as Chartfield House, which is an example of current outdoor entertaining trends, according to MD Jack Simpson.

The four bedroom, three bathroom house, based in East Putney, Chartfield comes with an outdoor kitchen and Tiki bar area, as well as swimming pool.

Cooking and eating outside took on greater significance during 2020, with restaurant closures and Jack Simpson believes that’s set to continue during 2021: “If lockdown has taught us anything, it’s the value of outdoor space.

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“For those looking to create the ultimate outdoor entertaining space, there are a number of must haves.

“Electrical and plumbing capabilities enable you to have outdoor sinks, fridges and ice machines.

“Carefully considered lighting is also important: think about how the space will be used in the evening and what impact any light pollution might have on neighbouring gardens or properties.”

With anything British and outdoors, there’s also the weather to think about and an outdoor dining space will have to cope with wind, rain, hail, sleet and snow.

“At Chartfield, we opted for hard-wearing materials to withstand the colder months. The polished concrete in the outdoor kitchen area, for example, is particularly hardy.”

Maintenance is another factor to consider, reports Simpson, and says at Chartfield House, the emphasis is on easy-to-maintain setups, that means touches such as artificial grass and low-maintenance shrubs and trees.

Finally, when it comes to preparing for getting the best out of BBQ season, there are practical matters to consider.

Storage is critical, as Simpson of Nomad Developments concludes: “You don’t want to be running back and forth to the house for essential items, so ensuring adequate storage for crockery, cutlery, food and drink is key.”

For more design advice on outdoor kitchens, read co-owner and master designer of Christopher Peters Kitchens and Interiors Will Lyne’s top tips.