Not off to a great start. Out of the four days that The Big Grill was happening on, the day I went the weather has been brutal ahead of Storm Betty, with rain and wind picking up intensity with every hour.

Listing itself as Europe’s biggest BBQ and Food Festival, this year The Big Grill was held at Herbert Park in Ballsbridge, Dublin. The basic ticket costed whopping 30 quid (including booking fee) which granted you nothing bar the entry via general admission. People willing to pay even steeper prices had different options to choose from, including immersive foodie experience, fast track entry and exclusive areas.

Upon entry, my bag wasn’t checked which is something I’m not a fan of. Yes, it was raining but it’s Ireland, it rains here a lot and that should not be an excuse to compromise safety of the attendees. I could have had anything in that bag, I didn’t obviously bar headphones and a sweater but it is the principle that counts.

The area itself was laid out well with loads of space for everyone to walk around and enjoy themselves. Obviously, because of the weather, everyone looked to camp under any available tents or umbrellas they could find. Some of the design disappointed me slightly, I’m unsure whether it was undertaken as precaution because of approaching Storm Betty or whether it was by original design. For example, the area in front of the main stage where the DJ played and the chilli eating contest was taking place was cordoned off with barriers good few meters away from it. Some of the walkways were missing as well I thought, where two or three booths I didn’t see how to approach, the path was not laid out in their direction.

Logistics behind us, let’s jump to the main part of the event, drinks, and more importantly, food. As a Pescatarian (Vegetarian who eats seafood), I was concerned about my options. Before heading over to the festival, I studied the online menu extensively to then on the day realise that the booths I had in mind to visit and items I wanted to try, were not available. Irked, but determined to find a replacement, I ended up trying oysters for the very first time.

Served with garnish in white wine vinaigrette, I was told to chew it three times before swallowing. Being an awful follower that I am, I actually chewed it for much longer, confused by the texture with each bite, however the taste was alright. Don’t think oysters are something I will look forward to ordering in the future but it’s nice to know they’re an options if they’re there.

Ultimate Vegetarian saving grace came next – Margherita pizza. Served with garlic dip, it was delicious, albeit not a dish I went to a BBQ Festival too.

Jameson, ginger ale and lime cocktails helped to ease the hunger. All jokes aside, I knew going in that food wise it is not an event for me, I wanted to go for the social aspect of it and do something else on a weekend instead of usual bar hopping.

The drink selection was lovely, with Jameson and Aperol Spritz having their own tents set up, there was as well a large selection of Irish beers and other spirits to choose from, and more.

The meat selection seemed very varied and looking at what my friends were having, it looked delicious and they enjoyed them too. Between burgers, pulled pork and beef, ribs, duck pancakes, hot dog and sandwiches, the meat selection was incredible.

Shoutout to my friends for ignoring my calls of ‘Wait until I take a pic!’ and starting on their meals before I even had a chance to take out my phone – you legends.

I think it has to be said, between the weather, the lack of food I was looking forward too and the steep entry price, I look at this festival with a bit more of a critique than I would usually. If it was sunny and we could chill with drinks and enjoy our food sitting on a grass, listening to music and mingling with others, instead of having to continuedly dash in between covers to avoid the rain, it would have been a much more enjoyable experience. There were a lot of interesting talks to listen to and activities to participate in, such as axe throwing – it’s a nice social event, if a little pricey, but what isn’t nowadays.

I’d gladly come back to it next year but maybe this time I’ll let someone else pick which day we’re going on.