These are London’s best luxury picnic experiences – plus our favourite posh picnic essentials if you’re packing your own.
Hampers and champers at the ready…it’s picnic season! It’s time to embrace the British sunshine while it lasts and get stuck in alfresco-style.
To get in the spirit, we’ve rounded up London’s best posh picnic experiences where you needn’t lift a finger. We’re talking butlers, bubbles and blankets included.
Or, if you prefer to do it yourself, scroll down for some of the best gourmet food to give your picnic the edge.
The Balcon’s Picnic Basket, £50 for two people
This elegant French brasserie is a stone’s throw from St James’s and Hyde Parks, so you’ve some of London’s best greenery to pitch upon. Packed inside the hamper are dainty rolls, cold meats and crumbly scones. Delicious. More information can be found at www.thebalconlondon.com.
Picnic in the Pub at Blue Boar Bar, £25 per person
Drizzly weather needn’t put a dampener on your picnic. The Blue Boar Bar is offering a ‘Picnic in the Pub’ this summer. Served indoors in a traditional hamper, it includes quail scotch eggs, finger sandwiches, artisan cheeses and sweet treats. More information can be found at www.blueboarlondon.com/bar
Posh Picnic Hampers at The Arch London, £95 for two people
The Arch’s picnic hampers are back, and they’re brimming with British delights like posh cheddar and chutney sarnies and raspberry and pistachio trifle. With a blanket and half a bottle of fizz included, plus Hyde Park around the corner, what’s not to love? More information can be found at www.thearchlondon.com.
Corrigan’s Mayfair Gourmet Picnic Hamper, £100 for two people
You’ll feast on British and Irish classics like smoked ham hock, Cornish crab, and vanilla cheesecake in the Corrigan’s hamper, served with a bottle of bubbly. Special occasion? Choose the luxury picnic ‘service’ which, for £1,000, includes a private butler. More information can be found at www.corrigansmayfair.co.uk.
The Corner House Bespoke Picnic Hampers, £25 – £100
There are all sorts of artisan delights to feast on in these made-to-order hampers. Build yours by sending an email to the deli at events@thecornerhousebrookgreen.com stating what you want, and they’ll sort the rest. More information can be found at www.thecornerhousebrookgreen.com.
Packing your own? Upgrade your picnic with these gourmet essentials
This online deli sells top-notch Italian food from artisan producers. It’s owned by Valentina Harris, an Italian chef, food writer and teacher with a passion for authentic ingredients. She chooses every item herself, all of which are lovingly and sustainably made, like these slow-cooked, finest black truffle breadsticks (£36). More information can be found at www.valentinaselection.co.uk.
Savoursmith Gourmet Crisps
Give a picnic staple an upgrade with these posh crisps. They’re handmade in small batches in Cambridgeshire and come in sublime flavours like ‘Truffle and Rosemary’ and ‘Champers and Serrano Chilli. Grab a bag (or two) at Harrods, Harvey Nics, Fortnum & Mason and other food halls. More information can be found at www.savoursmiths.com.
Pierre Marcolini’s Summer Collection
I can’t think of anywhere fancier to shop for your picnic puds than expert chocolatier Pierre Marcolini. His sophisticated style and use of rare, inventive ingredients have gained him accolades worldwide. There are plenty of picnic-friendly treats in the summer collection, like these beautiful, bright Melove cakes – a twist on those classic marshmallow teacakes. More information can be found at www.eu.marcolini.com/en/.
GATO & Co: Free From Puds
These guilt-free artisan desserts are handmade using natural ingredients, so they’re free from nasties like refined sugar, gluten and dairy. At less than 230 calories a pot and only £2.29, how can you say no? More information can be found at www.gatoandco.com.
Mirabeau Etoile Rosé 2016
What says summer more than sipping ice-cold rosé? This elegant crowd-pleaser pairs beautifully with salads and nibbles with its floral notes. The award-winning boutique wine brand was founded by British producers Stephen and Jeany Cronk, who’ve earned global acclaim from some of the world’s toughest wine critics. More information can be found at www.mirabeauwine.com.
Pinkster’s Giant Gin Box
We’ve all heard of boxed wine, but now there’s boxed gin thanks to boutique British gin-makers Pinkster’s. There is a handy pouring tap, and the whole thing’s recyclable. It’s ideal for festivals, too, where glass isn’t usually allowed. If you haven’t tried it yet, this delectable tipple is made from ripe raspberries. The box costs £135 for 300cl. More information can be found at www.pinkstergin.com.
Popaball Bubbles and Shimmer
…And if you want to go full-on glam, top off your drinks with Popaball bursting flavour bubbles or coloured shimmer – best for Prosecco, spirits and soft drinks. More information can be found at www.popaball.co.uk.
Nonsuch Shrubs Drinking Vinegars
Shrubs (a booze-free syrup made by infusing vinegar, fruit and sugar) are set to be one of the year’s biggest foodie trends. Nonsuch has gone one step further by creating these sophisticated infusions. They’re tangy and refreshing – the perfect thirst-quencher for your picnic. More information can be found at www.nonsuchshrubs.com.