(a washing machine drum).

This is the beast that sets you apart from the competition.  The one that will attract envious eyes and countless enquiries. The beauty of the washing machine drum is that, with an oven shelf over the top, it becomes a barbeque rather than an open fire and passes muster with most campsite owners.  Set it up on a couple of house bricks (who’d have thought that a couple of house bricks would find their way onto a camping equipment list?) and you won’t scorch the grass.  Most petrol stations stock bags of logs nowadays, so sling a bag in the boot when you fill up with juice.  Barbeque charcoal burns exceptionally well, if not a little on the warm side, and the red glow through all the holes in the side looks great at night.

Funnily enough, a wok sits nicely on the top, so I always bring a wok and lid with me now.  It’s the perfect pan for the mussels and tiger prawns.  You don’t really need a wok, as the stock pot will do, but if you’ve got one why not bring it along?