Gearing up to watch the RideLondon-Surrey 100? All set for Wimbledon? A luxury picnic hamper could be just the ticket to keep you far from the hungry crowd
Gourmet picnics are really en vogue – and it’s not hard to see why. No more queuing for overpriced, mediocre food. No more battling the crowds. You just bring your hamper, find your spot and tuck in. There’s minimal fuss too, as these picnics come with everything bar the blankets, most of it easily disposable or recyclable once you’ve finished eating.
Businesses such as The Little Picnic Company have taken the picnic hamper service to the next level, delivering straight to the venue to spare you the trouble of lugging your repast from home. Based in Weybridge, the company includes all Surrey parks in its service and, at major sporting events, will even take away all the rubbish.
Hungry for more great content? You can check out our piece full of advice from the Ginger Pig on how to cook up the perfect BBQ this summer by clicking here
The Carluccio’s hampers have become a firm favourite for alfresco summer dining. Getting hold of one is quite simple – just order four hours in advance and pick up from your nearest restaurant (Woking, Cobham or Kingston). The Classic Hamper (serves two, £45) has the perfect balance of savoury dishes and sweet treats, though alcohol needs to be ordered separately. Vegetarian and kids options are also available.
The Little Kitchen Company has a section of its website devoted to ‘posh picnics’ with apt monikers such as the Ascot Hamper (£48 per head) and the Henley Hamper (£36 per head). You can also tailor your picnic to taste from the wide choice of dishes on the menu. Minimum order is for six, but the more people there are, the more cost-effective it becomes. Delivery charge to Surrey is from £60 per order.
Synonymous with luxury and already famed for its hampers, Fortnum & Mason has diversified into fresh food picnics. The online range is surprisingly varied, from ramble-ready picnics (£25 pp) with either beer or champagne – some even include treats for your canine companion! – to full portable banquets.
Typical is the Richmond Picnic (£120) with – inter alia – quails eggs, gravadlax, Bothy pie and lemon posset, plus a couple of bottles of wine, all in a branded cool bag. Picnics must be ordered 48 hours in advance and delivery is within the M25 area only (check before ordering).
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