Outdoor kitchens are no longer the preserve of sprawling villas and holiday homes. As British homeowners invest in year-round garden living, demand for high-spec features, including sinks, is on the rise. Lancashire-based Whitebirk Sink Company, the UK’s only British-owned maker of handmade fireclay sinks, reports a growing number of its traditionally indoor products now being specified for outdoor use.
• UK data shows that over 70% of households with gardens are investing in outdoor lifestyle upgrades, with outdoor kitchen equipment rising by around 12.5% year-on-year.
• Market research predicts the UK outdoor kitchen market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 9%, reaching over £1.5 billion by 2030.
Co-founder and managing director Steve Allen comments: “The outdoor kitchen has evolved,” says co-founder and Managing Director Steve Allen. “We’ve moved far beyond the BBQ island. Today’s homeowners want fully equipped external spaces – with integrated storage, refrigeration, and yes, sinks. People are spending more time at home and expect their outdoor zones to match the quality and comfort of their interiors.”
Whitebirk’s fireclay sinks are manufactured using a bespoke moulding process, then glazed and kiln-fired at over 1200°C to ensure resilience and longevity in all conditions. Each model is designed to withstand heavy use and year-round exposure, while maintaining the heritage-led aesthetic the brand is known for.
Among the most popular choices for outdoor use is the Cleveleys – Whitebirk’s modern reinterpretation of the traditional Belfast sink. It features an alternative back wall weir overflow and sharper, sleeker walls, offering a blend of modernity while retaining a sense of timeless charm. Its compact footprint and clean-lined form have proven particularly popular with homeowners, kitchen designers, garden room specialists and hospitality developers alike.
Allen adds: “Whether it’s a family garden kitchen or a boutique hospitality terrace, clients want outdoor spaces that match the quality and detailing of their interiors. Ceramic sinks offer that balance of durability and design – they’re often the final element that completes the space.”
Cleveleys is available exclusively through the Whitebirk Sink Company website and via its global network of retailers priced at £449.00.
