PICK UP A PERFECT PICNIC (Summer’s nearly here!) AL FRESCO ARTISANS
WiTH summer around the corner, bringing with it the promise of long sunny days, now is the perfect time to celebrate the very British tradition that is the picnic.
Though lockdown might mean you cannot yet relax in parks with family or friends, you can still sit in your garden or lounge on your balcony.
So whether it’s a meal al fresco with members of your own household or simply an occasion to call your own, do it in style with a fabulous pre-packed picnic hamper, delivered to your door. We picked six of the best hampers for every type of picnic...
IT’S TIME FOR TEA
Afternoon G&T Hamper, £69.95, formanandfield.com
WHO FOR? Those of us who miss a G&T and slice of cake with the girls. WHAT’S IN IT? Fresh scones, Forman & Field strawberry jam, macarons, a trio of mini cakes, Artisan du Chocolat salted caramel minis and damson gin. VERDICT: This afternoon tea for two works out at nearly £35 per head — without waitress service, freshly laundered table cloths or the ritzy hotel. However, it’s top-quality food, and a good opportunity to dress up. The scones are delicious. 4/5
Picnic Hamper, £40, dartsfarm.co.uk
WHO FOR? A foodie who wants to impress their date. WHAT’S IN IT? A selection of artisan foods for two from independent food companies, including Milanese salami, sourdough bread, sea salt praline truffles and British cheeses such as Quicke’s Cheddar and Cornish Blue. Wash it down with luscombe Sicilian lemonade. VERDICT: This hamper is a gourmet’s dream, yet good value for money. There’s also an option to add pink english fizz. 5/5
INDULGE YOUR LOVE
Weekend Brunch, £50, piquefood.co.uk
WHO FOR? Anyone who loves a lie-in for two… WHAT’S IN IT? A selection of indulgent choices for brunch. Sweet treats include blueberry pancakes with maple syrup, pains au chocolat and pains au raisin, while savoury offerings include ham and gruyere-filled croissants and courgette and feta frittata. The hamper also comes with a choice of iced drink. Praline latte anyone? VERDICT: really scrumptious, but not one for last-minute picnickers, as it takes 48 hours to hand make and prepare the food. Only available in london, so check the website before ordering. Picnics are packaged in disposable card hampers but you can upgrade to a traditional wicker basket. 4/5
PUSH THE BOAT OUT
Champagne Celebration Picnic Hamper, £250, britishhamper.com
WHO FOR? Anyone celebrating a big event in lockdown.
WHAT’S IN IT? British snacks including an award-winning potted Blue Stilton from Cropwell Bishop, chocolate truffles from Piccadilly’s Prestat, cake from Shropshire, fine wines and Taittinger champagne. Could it get any better? VERDICT: Posh wine, cheese, nibbles and cake in a lovely wicker basket. As it’s seriously expensive, this is really one to save for major milestones. 3/5
WINE AND SNACKS
Vegan Picnic Hamper, £59, vorrei.co.uk
WHO FOR? Healthy food fans who long for treats.
WHAT’S IN IT? Organic rosé from Sicily, Sardinian carasau flatbread, Sicilian green cracked olives in olive oil, and taralli crackers from Puglia. VERDICT: it looks pretty since all the products are wrapped and presented in a strong box with a handle, which is hand-tied with a pretty ribbon. But this is more like a collection of healthy snacks, as there’s not enough substance here to make a whole picnic itself. 2/5
LOCH-DOWN LUXURY
The Scottish Loch Tartan Fitted Picnic Hamper, £93.50, hampers.co.uk
WHO FOR? Anyone who wants to pretend they are lounging in the heather at the side of a loch.
WHATS IN IT? loch lomond smoked salmon and smoked trout pate, Highland venison cured with green peppercorn and shortbread oatcakes. The hamper is also fitted with plates, cutlery and cups. VERDICT: The tartan-lined basket really sets the scene for a truly Scottish experience with lots of tasty, locally sourced products for two. And, of course, you then have a rather lovely basket to reuse when lockdown finally lifts. 5/5