Brits Swap Pub Garden For Back Garden In Wake Of The Credit Crunch

Two thirds of Brits to spend more time in the garden in an effort to save money in 2009

As the doom and gloom of the recession reaches fever pitch and with the hottest summer of the decade predicted on the horizon, more and more Brits are tightening their belts and looking to their gardens for a bit of respite.

New research from Grant’s Whisky released today shows a 115% increase in the amount of social gatherings homeowners are planning to hold in their gardens this year. Almost 40% of us will be swapping the ‘pub’ garden for our ‘back’ garden this year and 60% will be swapping eating out for BBQs at home.

A third of us will be growing our own fruit and veg this year, an increase of 60% on last year and 25% of us will be investing in creating a more comfortable socialising area – the only part of the garden to see an increase in spend this year.

A staggering one third of us will be putting either our own or other people’s birthdays on hold this year.

Harriet Knight, Brand Manager for Grant’s Blended Scotch Whisky comments, ‘It seems a shame so many of us are putting celebrations on hold because of the credit crunch. Just because you can’t afford an extravagant shindig this year doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time in your own garden at a fraction of the cost. We need to learn to experience our gardens from a different angle and let them become the focal point for ‘at home’ entertaining in 09’.

‘It’s a great way to get people to appreciate nature and the outdoors more. Nature; the air, water, earth is at the heart of what we do and what makes Grant’s so special. The evening of course, is also the perfect time to enjoy a dram so the two really do go hand in hand.’

Your own back yard does seem to be the new place to be however with over half of us preferring it for social gatherings to a restaurant, nightclub or even the local pub. And it certainly seems to be what a lot of us plan to do over the spring bank holiday with almost 50% of us planning to entertain outside or be entertained that weekend. Lets hope it’s not a wash out as 75% of people surveyed said they would consider moving abroad if the weather doesn’t improve this year.

To help make the most of our gardens this summer and in the light of the current economic climate, Grant’s Whisky has teamed up with TV presenter and award-winning gardener Chris Beardshaw to create blueprints for the perfect ‘Credit Crunch Garden’.

Chris comments: ‘Transforming your outdoor space, whatever size, into a fabulous stage for entertaining really can be straightforward. From growing herbs that enliven cocktails to creating relaxing seating areas where you can enjoy a drink with family and friends – this year it’s all about being creative and getting value for money.’

The blueprints can be found at www.grantswhisky.com/gardenafterhours alongside a brand new garden party planner section and details on how to turn your garden into the perfect place to relax over a whisky with family and friends. Enjoy nature from many perspectives, plus find out everything you need to know about the award-winning Grant’s Whisky that prides itself on having nature at the heart of everything that goes into it – whether it’s fresh Scottish air, the finest quality grain or the purest Scottish spring water.