Blackpool barbecue brothers' recipe for success

The Whitehills-based company has been give the national Butchers Q Guild status, which represents 110 award-winning independent butchers from the Scottish Highlands down to the south coast.

The Alfresco Chef is the brainchild of brothers and business partners, Michael and David Brennand, who already have connections with the Q Guild through their sister company, Manchester-based retail butchery supplier Innovative Food Ingredients, also a Guild corporate member.

The idea for the company was born – where else but at a barbecue!

It was being thrown for family and friends a couple of years ago by Michael and David, who realised that really good barbecued meat can be very difficult to achieve. Ever since, the two brothers have been championing the al fresco dining revolution with the creation of The Alfresco Chef concept.

Michael said: “It’s all about a shared passion for food, great meat and offering the best in outdoor cooking, similar to how discerning butchers offer the best meat and service to their customers.

“The Alfresco Chef aims to provide all-year-round al fresco cooking, creating an outdoor cooking theatre for customers, friends and family alike.”

Selecting the right tools and system for the job was a challenge that involved testing all manner of barbecues and equipment. Finally, in 2015 the company discovered the Traeger Grill, said to be ideal for domestic use, entertaining or catering. It will be available to buy in the UK from May this year.

The Q Guild’s manager Gordon Newlands said: “The Alfresco Chef’s values sit nicely with those of the Q Guild’s members and in this day and age of ever-increasing outdoor cooking we welcome their expertise and warmly welcome them into the Q Guild.”