Think BBQ is just for summer? Think again. At this year’s Ideal Home Show, the BBQ Academy, sponsored by La Española, the Spanish olive oil brand – fires up a bold new live cooking experience that proves barbecuing is a year-round culinary adventure.

The BBQ Academy brings visitors closer to the action with live-fire cooking demonstrations, expert techniques and plenty of opportunities to taste the results. La Española olive oils sit at the heart of the experience, with different oils showcased across the sessions to highlight how the right oil can elevate flavour, texture and technique when cooking over flame.

Led by BBQ experts Andrew Dickens and Joseph Nesbitt-Larking, the BBQ Academy will demonstrate how live-fire cooking can transform everything from brunch dishes to indulgent desserts. Visitors can expect insider tips, clever grilling techniques and plenty of tasters, with dishes designed to inspire both seasoned grill masters and complete beginners.

Across the programme, familiar favourites are given an exciting BBQ twist. A reimagined shakshuka swaps traditional Maghrebi flavours for a hearty, fry-up-inspired stew cooked over flame, while a rich chocolate brownie made with La Española olive oil proves the grill can be just as impressive for desserts as it is for savoury dishes.

For meat lovers, the BBQ Academy dives into standout techniques like perfectly searing flank steak, served with crispy grilled potatoes and a vibrant chermoula sauce made with La Española Spanish olive oil. Visitors can also learn the art of reverse-searing chicken wings, marinated in pomegranate molasses and harissa and paired with fiery Yemeni zhough.

Vegetables also take centre stage with a show-stopping fire-roasted hasselback squash topped with sage and onion pangrattato, while other sessions explore everything from rotisserie pork belly with cider and gooseberry glaze to slow-roasted maple pineapple and a seasonal apple and rhubarb crumble cooked over fire – all demonstrating how different La Española olive oils can be used across a wide range of BBQ recipes.

The BBQ Academy reflects a growing trend for pushing barbecue beyond the basics, blending global flavours, seasonal produce and creative techniques. With live demonstrations, expert guidance and the chance to taste dishes cooked using La Española olive oils, this exciting new feature promises to leave visitors inspired, informed – and very well fed.

Book Tickets to experience the BBQ Academy at the Ideal Home Show.