Why outdoor cooking is so much more than just a barbeque..
How I discovered outdoor cooking – and why it has changed how we live at home.
The recent spell of fantastic weather has been perfect for exploring further afield, so last weekend I took my daughter to The Lambing Shed in Knutsford. This much‑loved, family‑owned destination is well known for its café, farm shop, butchery and deli, all packed with tempting local produce and tasty treats to take home for tea.
Curious about what else was on site, we wandered past the café and discovered two businesses that stopped me in my tracks Forton Outdoor Cooking and Vibe Outdoor Kitchens. For me, outdoor cooking has always meant a simple barbecue with all the prep done indoors, but here in Knutsford I suddenly saw what a proper outdoor kitchen and high‑end outdoor cooking equipment could offer.
It turns out I am late to the party. Across the UK more people are investing in outdoor kitchens and creating dedicated outdoor cooking spaces in their gardens. The trend took off during Covid, when staying in became the new going out, and it has carried on as homeowners re-think how they use their gardens, how they entertain and how they add value to their property. Talk to your local estate agents and you hear the same thing: buyers are looking for a complete lifestyle, not just somewhere to sleep and eat.
Meet Forton Outdoor Cooking’s founder, Jim Kenyon
I then met Jim Kenyon, the founder of Forton Outdoor Cooking, who is on a mission to help people make more of their gardens with premium outdoor kitchens and live‑fire cooking equipment. Spending time in the Forton showroom, seeing the outdoor cooking set‑ups in action and talking through all the options with Jim was an eye‑opening experience. Here, he explains what makes Forton Outdoor Cooking at The Lambing Shed in Knutsford so special.
Tell me a little about your business:
Forton is a premium outdoor cooking showroom and experience venue based next to The Lambing Shed at Moseley Hall Farm, Knutsford. We specialise in carefully selected barbecues, pizza ovens, live-fire cooking equipment, outdoor kitchens, and hands-on customer support.
We are not a typical retail store. Our focus is on helping customers choose the right products, learn how to use them properly, and enjoy the whole outdoor cooking lifestyle.
What inspired you to found Forton?
After many years in a very different retail sector, I saw a real gap in the market. Outdoor cooking was growing quickly, but many people were spending significant money on equipment without receiving the guidance or aftercare they needed.
I wanted to create a business that offered more than simply selling products — somewhere customers could learn, experience products first-hand, and receive genuine support before and after purchase.
Who are your customers?
Our customers range from complete beginners wanting to improve their garden entertaining right through to passionate enthusiasts seeking the very best equipment.
Many are people who love hosting family and friends, enjoy quality products, and want to make more of their outdoor space.
What makes Forton stand out from the crowd?
We offer something few others do — real hands-on experience.
Customers can visit by appointment, see products working, taste food cooked on them, and receive honest advice based on their needs rather than sales targets.
We combine premium products with personal service, education, and long-term support.
What is your customer service ethos?
Simple: treat customers properly.
We believe if you look after people, give honest advice, and exceed expectations, success follows naturally. We want every customer to feel valued whether they spend £20 or £20,000.
What has been your proudest moment since establishing Forton?
Seeing customers return with friends and family, recommending us because of the service they received, has been hugely rewarding.
Also, creating a showroom and live-fire cooking environment that people genuinely enjoy visiting has made all the hard work worthwhile.
Eddie – Friday 24th April 2026.