2 adults, gentle use, method one.

large family, frequent use, bbq's etc, method 2 but concrete pillars
is probably going OTT, breeze block plinths would suffice.

Thanks for the quick reply. The use will sort of be in-between the
two; mainly two adults, but regular bbqs etc in the summer.

The breeze block plinths sound interesting - are they a thing in their
own right, or are you suggesting laying the frame on a number of breeze
blocks rather than the patio slabs?

Cheers.