According to research*, over 6 million picnics are set to take place in London alone this year – now that’s a lot of sandwiches!
From sustainable spreads to the poshest portable feasts, here’s where to pitch your blanket to enjoy the UK’s best picnics for summer 2019
1 Fight food waste with the Unashamedly Wonky Picnic
Sustainability’s the word on every foodie’s lips at the moment, and Dash Water are doing their bit to help fight food waste with a special one-off picnic on 18th July.
Join them as they host the UK’s largest free ‘Wonky Picnic’ featuring wonky cucumber sandwiches and knobbly lemon pavlova topped with wonky raspberries.
As well as this, there will also plenty of delicious British sparkling water with a dash of flavour to enjoy.
In the UK alone, 5,000,0001 tonnes of food is wasted each year as it is deemed too impefect for our supermarket shelves. This productive picnic aims to challenge how we think about ‘ugly’ food and embrace our wonky bits.
When: 12-4pm, 18 July 2019
Wallet: Free entry
Where: Soho Square, London
2 Picnic with your pooch at DUKES LONDON
DUKES LONDON, the luxury five-star hotel are offering the perfect culinary canine package in Green Park and St James’s Park.
As well as traditional, vegetarian and vegan treats, gourmands can indulge in a tasty picnic hamper crammed with scrumptious British delicacies, and new for this year, a dog-friendly feast.
You can even add Champagne, tailor made flower bouquets and your own personal Butler service to amplify the experience.
Comfy cushions, cosy blankets, cutlery and glasses set the scene, with parasols on extra hot days.
For meat-eaters, tuck into a selection of British delights such as a chorizo and goats cheese scotch eggs. Veggies, dive into delectable courgette and goats cheese brochettes.
Meanwhile vegans can savour delicious home-made hummus with pomegranate, paprika and vegan cheese scones, as well as tasty vegan-friendly chocolate brownies.
For the pooches, your furry friend will be treated to wet or dry dog food, as well as a dog bowl and toy. De-leash.
Wallet: DUKES’ Classic British Picnics and Vegetarian Picnics are priced from £39.50 per person (minimum two people per picnic).DUKES’ Dog’s Picnics are priced at £15 per pooch.
Where: 35 St James’s Pl, St. James’s, London SW1A 1NY, UK
How: Please call 0207 491 4840 or visit http://www.dukeshotel.com.
3 Enjoy a twist of tradition with Roux at Parliament Square
For an elegant al fresco experience, order a picnic hamper from Michel Roux Jr.’s eponymous restaurant, Roux at Parliament Square.
Head Chef Steve Groves, former Masterchef: The Professionals winner, has craftily designed a posh and portable feast to rival the best of London’s al-fresco dining endeavours.
Served in traditional hampers, the menu includes plenty of twists on English picnic favourites.
Devour Harissa-spiced sausage rolls, Smoked coronation chicken and apricot and Cucumber and cream cheese finger sandwiches.
Alongside on the sweet side, there’s Lemon posset with elderflower jelly, White chocolate, strawberry and pistachio delice and an array of Scones, Cornish clotted cream and jam. The diet starts tomorrow, after all.
Wallet: £55 for two to share, or £95 with a bottle of Champagne.
When:Available until 16th August. As these are no ordinary picnics, 48 hours notice is advised when ordering.
Where: 11 Great George St, Westminster, London SW1P 3AD, UK
How: Visit www.rouxatparliamentsquare.co.uk to find out more and make a booking.
4 Picnic with Padstow Townhouse, Cornwall
Headed to the Cornish coast this summer? Padstow Townhouse, from acclaimed British chef Paul Ainsworth and wife Emma, provide sumptuous hampers for guests looking to dine out and about.
Served in beautiful wicker baskets and accompanied by cosy Fortnum & Mason and Joules picnic blankets, the dedicated team at No.6 prepare delightful gourmet treats for a foodie staycation.
Savour Smoked salmon sandwiches, Charcuterie, handmade Scotch eggs and even a Cream tea. If lunch on the beach doesn’t take your fancy, you can even try the experience on a speedboat trip.
Wallet: Padstow Townhouse picnics start from £70 excluding drinks.
Where 16-18 High St, Padstow PL28 8BB, UK
How: Visit www.paul-ainsworth.co.uk/padstow-townhouse to find out more and make a booking.
5 Posh nosh at The Arch London
Five-star hotel, The Arch London has its very own takeaway picnic hampers for a feast in Hyde Park.
The Arch London’s picnic hampers offer a taste of Hunter 486 restaurant’s critically acclaimed Best of British inspired menu.
The picnic hamper includes a chilled bottle of sparkling wine and gourmet delights.
Devour Homemade crisps with sea salt, lemon and sage; a selection of sandwiches including English Cheddar with apple and raisin chutney with sun blushed tomato salad; Coronation chicken with baby gem, and coriander cress salad and more.
Also, there’s Smoked salmon with lemon butter and cracked black pepper on brown bread; Jersey Royal potato salad with apple and mustard dressing; Raspberry and pistachio trifle; Battenburg; and Homemade muffins.
Wallet: £100 for two guests and come packaged in a posh hamper.
When: Picnics are available until 9 September 2019.
Where: The Arch London, 50 Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD
How:For reservations, please call: 020 7724 4700 or visit www.thearchlondon.com.
Enjoyed reading about the UK’s Best Picnics For Summer 2019?
For more foodie inspiration, visit our jam-packed agenda section
*Research conducted by Zipcar UK.
