As the sun made its long-awaited return to the UK, we soaked up every last dropāand yes, we may have slightly scorched our budget in the process. But was it worth it? 100% yes. This week was all about sunshine, seaside trips, and serious eats, with a family BBQ to remember and a spontaneous Sunday at the beach.
Letās break down the numbers, the meals, and the moments that made this week one to savour.
š” Family, Food & Sun-Soaked Memories
With record-breaking UK heat, we couldnāt resist throwing not one but two BBQs back-to-back. On Saturday, we welcomed family from London with garden blankets, bean bags, deck chairs, and a feast fit for 13 hungry guests. There were burgers, sausages, salads, king kebab, and of course, music, prosecco, beers, and mocktails flowing freely.
Sunday took us to Bridlington for a classic family day outāthink sandy toes, seafront strolls, fish and chips, and an impressive investment in 2p machines. The nostalgia was thick, and so was the batter on our fried haddock.
š· Weekly Food Budget Breakdown
Our goal is to stick to Ā£150 per week (including toiletries). This week? Not quite. But here’s how the numbers crunched:
- šĀ Food Shop Total: Ā£257.93
(Ā£106.18 of that was dedicated to our epic family BBQ) - šĀ Takeaways & Treats: Ā£96.44
- šØāš©āš§āš¦Ā Daily Spend Per Person: Ā£10.13
Our highest-spending week in a while, but when you weigh it against the memories made, itās hard to call it anything but a win.
š How We Compare to the UK Average
According to the latest 2024 figures, the average family of five spends around Ā£210 per week on food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Even with our splurge, weāre still sitting in the ballparkāand with a bit more planning (and spice) than your average trolley run. Plus, we fed 13 people, enjoyed fish and chips by the sea, and made meals last with leftovers.
š½ What We Ate This Week
Hereās a look at our deliciously chaotic menu:
- Monday: Loaded Jacket Potatoes with Coleslaw, Cheese & Beans
- Tuesday: Freezer Raid Dinner (aka, surprise supper)
- Wednesday: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Cheddar Courgette Waffles
- Thursday: Chicken Wings Two Ways + Couscous & Tomato Mozzarella Salad
- Friday: Impromptu BBQ Night
- Saturday:Ā Family BBQ Feast
- Sunday: Fish & Chips at the Beach
From midweek slow-cooker wins to seaside treats and garden grilling, it was a week of real food and real joy.
š± Coming Up in May on Looks Good Letās Eat
Thereās more tasty goodness on the horizon! Keep your eyes peeled for:
- š„Ā Homemade SconesĀ for weekend brunching
- šĀ Hand of CodĀ ā a cheeky fish dish for the whole fam
- šĀ Vegetable CurryĀ ā warming, cheap, and packed with goodness
- š„ŖĀ British Sandwich Week IdeasĀ ā creative and crave-worthy combos
š¬ Letās Chat
Whatās your all-time favourite budget meal? Iād love to hear from youāand if youāre happy to share, I might just feature your recipe on the blog!
Until next timeā¦
Real life. Real food. Real budgeting.
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