Experience Finnish Grillkota – BBQ Hut

When most of us think of barbecues, we picture summer afternoons, the smell of sizzling food and the hope that the British weather holds out long enough for the feast to finish, or even start. But in Scandinavia, outdoor cooking isn’t limited to sunny days. Instead, they’ve embraced a unique tradition that brings fire, food and friends together all year round: the grillkota, or BBQ hut.

The Scandinavian BBQ Hut Tradition

Originating in Finland and widely loved across Norway and Sweden, grillkotas are small wooden cabins built around a central fire or grill – usually hexagonal or octagonal. Traditionally used by reindeer herders and rural communities as warm shelters, they evolved into cozy gathering spaces where people could cook, eat and celebrate no matter the season.

Step inside one and in that moment you’ll find the heart of Scandinavian hospitality: a crackling fire in the center, smoke curling upward through a chimney and benches with reindeer furs lining the walls and seats. Whether it’s snowing outside, raining or the sun is glowing, the grillkota offers warmth, comfort and connection. The space for laughter, storytelling and sense of togetherness.

The ethos is simple: good food, good company and no compromise with the weather.

Our travels through Iceland and Finland showed us just how special these huts could be – one night, beneath a skylight in a remote cabin, we found ourselves stargazing in warmth and comfort. That was the moment we knew this tradition needed to come home with us.

Why BBQ Huts Make Sense in the UK

Here in the UK, we share many of the same weather challenges as our Nordic neighbours. Rain showers, chilly evenings and unpredictable forecasts often get in the way of a proper barbecue.

But… the grillkota changes everything.

Imagine inviting friends over on a frosty evening, lighting the fire inside your hut and enjoying freshly grilled food in a space that feels both rustic and luxurious. No more rushing to cover burgers when the drizzle starts! Your BBQ can go ahead, whatever the forecast and time of year.

For us it’s More Than Just a BBQ

For us, bringing the Scandinavian BBQ hut tradition to Britain isn’t just about practicality. It’s about embracing a slower, more meaningful way of gathering. Our travels through Iceland and Finland showed us just how special these huts could be – one night, beneath a skylight in a remote cabin, we found ourselves stargazing in warmth and comfort. That was the moment we knew this tradition needed to come home with us.

These huts are about more than just grilling food – they create atmosphere, conversation and memories. The moments where you allow a thought to expand, exploring and sharing the dreams. They are places to laugh, share stories and enjoy the kind of hygge (that special Scandinavian coziness) we could all use a little more of! This is why we are the only company in the UK that offers full customisation of your Scandi Hut – especially the triangular dormer windows and skylight you can add on as extras to your Scandi Hut design, making it unique to your taste.

A Warm Tradition, Now Closer to Home

We’re excited to be introducing this timeless Northern tradition to the UK. With our range of handcrafted Scandi BBQ Huts and Grillkotas, you don’t need to book a trip to Lapland to experience the magic. Whether you want to enhance your garden, entertain year-round, or even transform the space into a personalised retreat by removing the BBQ, a hut offers something truly special.

It’s more than a cabin.
More than a BBQ.
It’s a warm tradition, now growing here in the UK.

It’s no wonder everyone who steps inside one wants one of their own.

Explore our range today, or get in touch to begin your customisation. And in our next blog, we’ll dive into the creative ways people are transforming Scandi Huts – from educational rooms to beauty hubs, and everything in between.