King of English BBQs: Dave Werner!

Reporter: Kev O'Mara

We recently joined Marg and Dave on another English adventure to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversaries.
They had spent some time up north before we arrived. After picking up a car with a non functioning Sat Nav, we had a lovely week in Cornwall.
We then proceeded to cross the country for another week in Canterbury. Marg had sussed out a beautiful, old terrace, 2 minutes walk from the city, with a car parking space!
They're worth their weight in gold in Canterbury. The quaint, old residence, apart from the steepest staircase in the universe to get to bedrooms also had an outdoor, wood fired BBQ.
Well of course Dave's eyes lit up when spying this. I was not confident, given the proximity to the city and the doubtful existence of a suitable supply of the appropriate combustible material.
However, upon reading the welcoming literature from the owner, we were informed that it was there to be used. A container down the back had a bag of dubious fire making 'compressed something' that was supposed to do the trick. So, we purchased the appropriate red meat and set about trying to light the fire to have an Aussie Barbie in 'old enemy' territory.
With limited paper and the 'compressed something' being not willing to catch fire, we had to admit defeat and the meat was cooked indoors, that evening.
However, Dave would not give up on his dream of an English BBQ. Firelighters would be the answer, and so they were duly purchased with more meat and the quest was begun again.
The 'compressed something' was encased with firelighters and the match was struck. Again the recalcitrant material refused to catch alight and it looked as if our hopes might be dashed.

​Dave, however, was not giving up without a fight. After scouring the property, he discovered some dead branches in the old 'dunny' lane at the back. These were broken up,
added to the smouldering excuse for a fire, and presto, we had flame! After gentle tendering the flames became a small fire and soon our steaks were paced on the grill.
The precious 'cargo' was dutifully looked after on our pommie barbie and we went inside to sample Dave's first go at the Aussie tradition in this ancient land.
The result was absolutely magnificent. Medium/rare to perfection!!

At this point, I was duty bound to bestow royal title on the man who had overcome such adversity. I give you:
Dave, King of the English BBQ.

Your correspondent from over there
Kev O'Mara