Everyone that has spent longer than 24 hours in England knows that the definition of British Summer Time can very much be open to interpretation. However, it’s universally acknowledged that us Brits make the best of it- whether it’s barbecue lunches (whatever the weather), beach days, or indeed, a picnic in the park.
It must be said that picnicking is something that the British do excel at- whether you’re putting together an elaborate celebration spread or simply grabbing some quick ‘picky bits’ from your local supermarket. We believe that no picnic is complete without a memorable bottle of wine to accompany and to be the catalyst for great conversation and sparkling celebrations.
The Essentials
A picnic blanket, preferably with a waterproof underside (you can’t count on dry ground), whether it’s a hand-me-down that’s survived through generations, or a new find. It’s an essential.
A picnic basket: make of this what you will. We do love a classic wicker basket, complete with crockery, wine glasses and a gingham lining- classically from Fortnum & Mason. However, for last minute plans, we know this isn’t the most efficient choice-in fact, as long as it’s strong enough to hold the weight of the snacks inside, we say go for it. A Waitrose bag works just as well as a tote, a basket or a cool bag. Bonus points from us if you’ve got a designated wine cooler ready to go- we’re still using our Fieldbar from 2024- which keeps drinks cold for up to 50 hours!
Glassware: When sharing a bottle of wine between friends, glasses are a must. Our reusable picnic glasses are the ideal solution for this- not only are they a practical solution to outdoor drinks, they are dishwasher safe and provide a sustainable solution to outdoor gatherings. As a bonus, they're a beautiful design- meaning you can maintain an elegant style even while spending time in the great outdoors. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with the classic enamel mug for a more rustic approach.
The Drinks
For us, the drinks are of course the most important part of the picnic. Our Classic Cuvée is an all-occasions favourite: as a traditional three-grape blend, predominantly featuring Chardonnay- this vibrant wine has a structured, yet ripe acidity with a ripe bouquet of green apple, white peach and white flowers. It’s a friend to food as well as a charismatic apéritif- meaning it can be enjoyed throughout your picnic.
Hotter days call for rosé- whether your preferences lie in a crisp, pale Provence style or a dark, food-friendly bottle. Our Classic Cuvée Rosé sits somewhere in between the two: it’s Wimbledon in a glass with pronounced notes of ripe strawberries, rhubarb and a creamy background. Perfect well-chilled, enjoyed with good company.
For those who are opting for a softer option, our friends at Hartridges (a Hambledon business dating back five generations) have a range of quintessentially British soft drinks, including a delicately floral rose lemonade, classic dandelion and burdock and fiery ginger beer. It goes without saying that on hot days, make sure you’re stocked with plenty of water.
The Food
The centrepiece of your summer picnic- picnic food needs not only to be delicious, but to travel and keep well out of the fridge if you have no cooling facilities. Of course, the usual suspects such as sandwiches, are a no-brainer. The key to this is good ingredients: the French classic Jambon beurre is a crowd pleaser for adults and children alike, and depends simply on sourcing the best bread, butter and ham possible, or for vegetarians, exceptional seasonal tomatoes (we use Isle of Wight tomatoes in our restaurant), fresh mozzarella and basil are a surefire hit.
For the British purists sausage rolls, and quiche are a must (add some caramelised onion and wholegrain mustard to the sausage roll filling for depth), salad: we love to mix butterhead lettuce with seasonal snap peas, shaved courgette, dill and feta with a simple lemon dressing. Al of this alongside crudites, dips (try making houmous with seasonal roasted beetroot) and crisps make for a deliciously varied picnic feast.
No picnic is complete without a pudding, however. Scones, jam and clotted cream are a classic and undoubtedly will surface the age-old ‘cream or jam first?’ argument. As for cakes- that’s down to personal preference, but we’re strongly of the opinion that classics such as lemon drizzle and Victoria sponge are sure to delight- especially alongside a seasonal fruit salad to lighten things up.
The entertainment
For long, lazy afternoons in the country- a form of entertainment is always welcome. Classic lawn games such as frisbee, rounders or boules always delight. Or, if it’s a more sedate affair, there’s nothing better than a few quiet hours with a good book, some card games or simply good conversation to while away the hours.
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