It’s just the thing for summer nights outdoors.

Now that we’ve all had ample time to give our back gardens, yards and random outdoor spaces some consideration, fire pits are fast becoming the hottest accessory of the summer.

The perfect addition to gather around as darkness falls, one Cork metalworker’s designs have taken off like wildfire. In fact, he can’t keep them in stock.

Kevin Roche, a retained firefighter with Cork County Fire Service, also runs Roche Metalworkers, a family business based in Fermoy.

His unique handmade pieces can be seen in a number of Cork homes and businesses (the gorgeous copper planters hanging from the ceiling of the Kopper hair salon on Half Moon Street are a good example) but it’s Kevin’s upcycled wood-burning fire pits that have customers queueing up to order since the lockdown began in spring.

Made in a variety of fun designs from 3mm steel with a 5mm base and coated in heat-resistant paint, the fire pits make an eye-catching focus for a garden, deck or patio.

Happy customers have been returning to the company’s Facebook page to post pics of their newly installed firepits, alongside glowing reviews.

The order books are closed for now but keep an eye on the Roche Metalworks Facebook page for updates on the next batch or email rochemetalworks@outlook.com for more information on their custom gates, benches and shelving.