Whoever said ‘what a difference a day makes’ was right in one way, but wrong 364 times – they should have said ‘year’. The summer of 2018 was glorious, with sunshine pretty much constant April through July. Ice cream sales were unprecedented, beer and wine consumption exploded and barbecue food sold out at most supermarkets before Friday close. It’s been a different kettle of saturated fish this year. The April showers have mislaid their memo and continued unabashed through May and June (although I’m told the UK tea producers are most pleased with this) and barbecue season has been put on ice (well there has definitely been hail).
However, there is good news afoot. July, I have been informed, will see the return of blue skies and warmer climes, so now is the time to get creative in the kitchen and cooking up those al fresco meals you have been pining for over the last few months. We have got a great recipe section starting on page 12 that should make up up for lost time. We also champion summer fruits on page 69, serve up a host of light lunches on page 41 and help you get the garden party started with a selection of the latest gluten-free (mosty alcoholic) drinks on test on page 66. Summer is here ladies and gents – it’s time to shine!