ALFRESCO dining firm Red Hot Plancha has opened a new branch in Stroud town centre.

Far from your average barbecue, The Red Hot Plancha provides a fun, sociable approach to eating outdoors by allowing diners to cook their own food on a hotplate set into an attractive patio table.

"The Red Hot Plancha is a complete dining concept," said branch manager Simon Stroud, who formally ran a taxi business and Stroudy Sports shop in Stonehouse.

"It combines a barbecue with a patio table, without the negatives.

"Instead of just one person having to take charge of the cooking, the Red Hot Plancha involves everyone and allows each person to cook their own food individually, according to their own tastes."

Food is cooked in its own juices, making it a healthy option, and the system is ready for cooking on just three minutes after being lit.

With just one hot plate to clear away, the systems, which are available in round and square designs and can seat up to 10 people, are virtually hassle free.

Visit the new showroom at 5 Cornhill, Stroud and be sure to see demonstrations of the products every Saturday at Stroud Farmers’ Market, with the first taking place on August 14.

Alternatively, visit www.redhotplancha.com for more information and a video demonstration.