The GBOF Story

How it all began... with a garden makeover

Radcliffe-on-Trent residents Tony and Kate Cox had just completed their garden project and were looking to finish it off with a stylish fire pit. After trying, and failing, to find something which was both good value for money and a well-made, durable product, they started to wonder if they couldn’t do better themselves. 

Husband and wife team

With Tony’s engineering and business background and Kate’s successful graphic design business, they’d often thought of working together. They’d celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and their sons were off to university. It felt like time to reassess their life priorities and, after extensive planning and research, they took the plunge and launched Great British Outdoor Fires.

Made in Great Britain

Their vision was to produce British-made, steel fire pits and candle holders with personalised side panels. These fire pits could provide a highly personal focal point for outdoor life with family and friends, creating memories that would last a lifetime. They designed and incorporated a ‘no mess’ pull-out ash pan and slide-down, mesh spark guards.

They were also determined that their handmade products would be made from the very best quality British materials and built to last. Disappointed by the flimsy, poor quality, cheap fire pits available in DIY shops, they chose to manufacture using very solid 5mm thick steel panels. The resulting heavy-duty fire pits are guaranteed for ten years, but will likely last for generations.

Into production, orders, RHS flower shows and Christmas markets

Renting a barn unit on the outskirts of Radcliffe, they bought equipment, made some prototypes and the GBOF fire pits were born. The business rapidly took off and they were soon working on orders as well as showcasing their products at the RHS Flower Shows, the Radcliffe Village Show, Radcliffe Food and Gift Festival and Belvoir Castle Christmas Market. If you’d like further information or would like to order a fire pit or candle holder please contact us via your preferred method below. We look forward to hearing from you.