Beefy blokes used to rule the back-garden HERE COM
BACK away from the barbecue boys – because these days it’s all about grill power.
While it’s traditionally been considered a man’s domain, women are reclaiming the flames.
Recent statistics show that more than half of them now spend more time barbecuing than their fellas.
Around a quarter said it was no longer considered a “man’s job”.
And a fifth are getting “fedup” with blokes getting all the praise for cooking the meat.
BBQ competitions are already huge in the USA and more and more are springing up over here, including Grillstock, Meatopia and Pen’Grillie’.
Competitive barbecuers Karen, 37, and Debbie Lucas-Penhall, 43, are part of the growing scene.
The couple, who often take part in contests, now make up one of the few allfemale teams on the chargrilling circuit.
They run their business, Inkie’s Smokehouse BBQ, from an old horse trailer converted into a food van – and in 2015 they won the Great British Street Food Competition.
Karen said: “There is no denying that the BBQ scene used to be dominated by males.
“When we first started attending contests ISOBEL DICKINSON Chief Reporter and food shows, the men were quite shocked by our presence. “But they soon changed their tune when they tasted our produce – the food speaks for itself. “Through entering and judging competitions, and sharing our insight and techniques, we have gained respect from a lot of our peers, which has meant a lot to us. “While the UK scene is still gaining momentum, we have noticed lots of husband and wife teams sharing responsibilities at BBQ competitions as more and more women get involved. “Getting behind the BBQ is great fun and it shouldn’t matter what sex you are. “We are definitely trying to encourage more women to enter competitions and just enjoy the BBQ love.” Our flaming hot model Susie Summers, 30, also loves whipping out her tongs when the sun comes out. Posing here with a souped-up mega grill, the Peterborough babe said: “I love cooking on the BBQ during summer and it’s definitely not just a man’s domain any more. “To be honest, I think I’m better at it than most of the men I know.”