The Best BBQ Meats for Your Summer Party: Crowd-Pleasing Ideas
2nd Jul 2025
When the sun is shining and the grill is hot, there’s no better way to celebrate summer than with a BBQ. Whether you're hosting a garden party, marking a family milestone, or simply bringing people together for good food and conversation, a standout BBQ depends on one thing: the meat.
At Donald Russell, we know a thing or two about premium cuts. As master butchers with over 50 years of heritage, we deliver expertly prepared, restaurant-quality meat straight to your door. So, if you're wondering what to serve at your next gathering, here's your ultimate guide to the best BBQ meats for your summer party, complete with tips, tricks, and mouthwatering inspiration.
Best Meats for Summer Parties (More than Burgers and Sausages)
Burgers and sausages are a staple at any BBQ, and rightly so! They’re quick, satisfying, and loved by all ages. Although we’ve got a list of our favourite burgers and sausages, we’ve also added in some extras to help your summer spread to stand out. Let’s think beyond the basics and look at our new summer range.
Beef burgers are always a crowd-pleaser, but elevate them with premium blends like chuck, brisket and wagyu, which deliver rich flavour and a juicy bite. Donald Russell’s NEW Three Cuts Burgers are made from this exact trio, making them ideal for smashing and serving with Rainbow Slaw and Alpine Fries.
Classic Lamb Burgers offer a delicious depth when chargrilled, pairing beautifully with fresh herbs or a minted yoghurt, while pork burgers with a hint of fruit or spice have a fantastic taste. Look for blends with apple or mustard, like our Pork & Apple Burgers, to deliver sweetness and tang.
For something with flair, steak burgers deliver all the satisfaction of a grilled steak in burger form. Our British Ribeye Steak Burger is a prime example, made with the same fully matured beef as our signature Ribeyes.
Chicken skewers are a brilliant option for lighter eating. Marinated cuts of breast can soak up bold flavours. Our NEW Sweet Chilli & Lime Chicken Skewers offer a summery balance of heat and zing. Another crowd-pleaser is pork ribs, especially when slow-cooked and marinated, bring a bold, sticky flavour to any spread. Our NEW Hot Honey Marinated Pork Ribs fall off the bone and pack a perfect sweet-spicy punch, while Chilli Beef Koftas Back for summer are a great addition with a fresh feta and tomato salad.
For steak lovers, Picanha is a must. This prized Brazilian cut has deep flavour and tenderness when cooked rare and sliced thin. Our Picanha Steaks are matured for up to 35 days, ideal for showcasing at your grill.
Round things off with sausages, but not just any sausages! Look for varieties with a twist, like our NEW Honey & Mustard Pork Sausages, balancing savoury richness with sweet and sharp notes.
Mixing traditional favourites with gourmet selections makes your BBQ feel more special and gives guests a variety to enjoy.
How to Pick a Good Selection of Meats
A great BBQ menu is all about balance. Consider the mix of flavours, textures and cooking times so everything runs smoothly.
- A centrepiece: Choose one hero cut that becomes the talking point – like a Traditional Chateaubriand steak or a rack of marinated ribs.
- Quick-cook cuts: Burgers, sausages, skewers, and steaks are ideal for keeping guests happily fed throughout the day.
- Something slow: Ribs or brisket can be cooked low and slow in advance, then finished on the BBQ.
- A mix of meats: Offer beef, lamb, pork, and chicken to cater to all preferences.
- Don’t forget a few hearty veggie or plant-based options and delicious sides that accompany all your dishes well.
Our curated BBQ range is designed with all these needs in mind, offering convenience and quality in every bite.
Pairing Sauces & Sides for Perfect Summer Platters
The best BBQ meals are more than just meat on a plate. It’s the full spread that makes it a feast.
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Sides:
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Together, these bring texture, colour, and variety that complement the smoky richness of grilled meats.
Buy Your Premium Meat Online From Donald Russell
Ordering your BBQ meats online couldn’t be easier, and with Donald Russell, you can be confident you’re getting exceptional quality every time.
We’re proud to be a Scottish butcher delivering meat to customers all across the UK. Every cut we send out is expertly butchered, frozen at peak freshness, and delivered directly to your door, ready to defrost when you need it. No stress. No compromise.
Explore our full selection of summer barbecue meats here and build your ultimate grill-ready spread.
Making Memories Since 1974: What We Would Include
Take the guesswork out of party planning and build your perfect gourmet BBQ box
Here’s what we recommend including:
- NEW Three Cuts Burgers for crowd-pleasing burgers
- Back for Summer, Cumberland Sausage Spirals for an impressive yet classic grill staple
- NEW Sweet Chilli & Lime Chicken Skewers for a vibrant kick
- Lamb Kofta for something delicious and different
- NEW Hot Honey Pork Ribs for sticky, satisfying indulgence
- Picanha Steak for a dramatic centrepiece
- Make your own homemade sides: Pre-prepped potato salad and tomato salad
- Sauces: Choose a variety of classics for toppings, dipping and glazing
We offer pre-curated boxes like our Bumper Barbecue Selection or you can build your own from our wide range of BBQ favourites. All products are frozen to lock in quality and flavour, meaning you’re always ready for sunshine and sizzle.
Bring People Together with a BBQ to Remember
At Donald Russell, we believe food is about moments. Whether it’s your family’s annual BBQ or a spontaneous weekend grill, our meats help you make it something more: more flavour, more joy, more memories.
Order your BBQ favourites today and get them delivered straight from our butcher to your freezer – so you’re always ready to fire up the grill.
Explore the full BBQ range now.