Save yourself the horror of soggy sandwiches with these pre-prepared picnic treats
Words Annabel Fuller
It’s summer in the capital, and what better way to spend a sunny afternoon than by tucking into a picnic? Grab your blanket and basket, we’ve rounded up some of the best treats to enjoy in the great outdoors.
Brindisa Picnic Box
Give yourself the Spanish getaway you deserve without stepping foot outside the capital. This ready-made Spanish feast for two features an aperitivo of refreshing gazpacho, slices of smoky chorizo, big, juicy Gordal olives and wild boar pate. The meal ends with a selection of snacks for deliciously easy outdoor feasting.
£20 for two people; brindisa.com
PIQUE
The hassle-free way to eat al fresco, Pique exclusively caters luxury handmade picnics. Delivered in disposable card hampers with plastic-free packaging, there are seven hamper menus to choose from. If you’re looking for something more bespoke or a pre-set romantic picnic for two, Pique can cater to meet your wishes.
Hampers start at £35; piquefood.co.uk
Jimmy’s Iced Coffee
Who said picnics had to be paired with Pimm’s or Prosecco? For those looking for something non-alcoholic, Jimmy’s Iced Coffee is the perfect pick-me-up for a summer’s afternoon in the park. Available in five varieties, our pick is the Oat latte, a vegan-friendly alternative. This treat is one you can enjoy guilt-free with reduced sugar; this coffee is also ethically sourced.
£1.79 per coffee; jimmysicedcoffee.com
Fortnum & Mason
Due to popular demand, Fortnum & Mason has introduced a vegan picnic, just in time for summer. Feast your eyes on this luxurious lunch featuring smoked courgette dip and hummus with gluten free crackers and crudités to start. Other savoury delights include grilled aubergine with chickpeas and sumac, falafel with coconut yoghurt tzatziki and Moroccan spiced cauliflower with red pepper and pomegranate salad. Being vegan doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the authentic taste of summer when it comes to something sweet; there’s a 70% dark chocolate bar and coconut chantilly to go with fresh strawberries.
£100 for two people; fortnumandmason.com
HIPCHIPS
Soho-favourite store HIPCHIPS has launched a perfect new picnic snack to-go. HIPCHIPS pairs hand-made, perfectly crunchy potato crisps with a diverse range of delicious dips. Each box comes with three of the store’s original recipe dips, available in both sweet and savoury varieties. Available exclusively at Sainsbury’s this quick and easy snack is perfect for last-minute picnic plans.
£5 per box; hipchips.com
Ottolenghi
Dine al fresco with a delicious hamper from Ottolenghi. They offer several hamper varieties, from breakfast to Middle Eastern delights. Our favourite is The Picnic Hamper + Prosecco. It makes a heavenly spread complete with grissini, lavosh, rosemary spiced nuts, chilli and coriander chutney, NOPI olives and the utterly moreish corn and za’atar crackers. Next, come the sweets – ANZAC biscuits and a bag of soft and sumptuous strawberry marshmallow. Paired with Prosecco, this hamper is perfect for a day at the park.
The Picnic Hamper + Prosecco, £70 to share; ottolenghi.co.uk
Duke’s
Get the royal treatment in one of the nearby Royal Parks with a picnic feast from Duke’s. Along with exceptional cuisine, this hamper comes with the rug, the basket and the finer details. For an extra charge, a personal butler will meet you on arrival, set up your picnic and leave you to enjoy the great outdoors.
£39.50 per person + £25 for Butler service; dukeshotel.com
