Nothing beats an al fresco feast in the sunshine. Sophie Farrah unearths some local treats to make your picnic swing
The classics
If you want proper sausage rolls, pork pies, scotch eggs and the like, then forget the supermarket and head to your local butcher or deli instead. With shops in both Clapham and Barnes, The Ginger Pig’s offering is legendary thanks to its top quality meat. Similarly Clapham butchers M.Moen & Sons make their own sausage rolls every day, and Chadwicks in Balham and Battersea both have bursting deli counters. The Alberts Deli in Richmond and Gusto & Relish in Barnes also offer a plethora of freshly made picnic delicacies.
Plant-based picnicking
For a tasty veggie alternative try the well-packed spinach and feta rolls at artisan bakery GAIL’s. I am completely addicted to Barnes café &Feast’s light and crisp spinach and feta triangles. Pretty Clapham café Tart specialises in – you guessed it – tarts! And its butternut squash, kale, sage, walnut and Stilton version would make even the hardiest meat eater jealous. For vegan treats head to Tooting’s Vegan Express, and The Retreat Kitchen or bhuti café both on Richmond Hill.
- gailsbread.co.uk, andfeast.com, tartlondon.com, bhuti.co/bhuticafe, theretreatkitchen.co.uk, veganexpress.co.uk
Supersized salads
A bit of green stuff on the side is a must and GAIL’s tasty vegan options are far from boring. Dishes include summer greens, wild rice and roasted broccoli, and quinoa, chopped vegetables and fresh herbs, which sit alongside meaty options like couscous with chicken meatballs, ratatouille and dill yoghurt. This summer you can pre-order picnic-friendly portions that serve up to 10 people, which GAIL’s can conveniently deliver to your door.
Sensational sarnies
For 2018’s most stylish sandwich (and one of the tastiest too) then hop to Danish bakery Ole & Steen and choose from the likes of Danish blue cheese and pickled pear or rare roast beef with beetroot and remoulade sauce, both served on its insanely delicious carrot rye bread. In Sheen, Pickle and Rye can whip one of the best salt beef sandwiches outside of New York (and a mean veggie option too called the California Club), or head to the deli counter at the swishy new General Store at Battersea Power Station for a fabulous choice of fillings.
Don’t forget the wine!
Having recently been granted a Royal Warrant, who better to advise on the perfect picnic plonk than wine merchants Lea & Sandeman? “It has to be Made in Provence Classic Rosé 2017, most often referred to as ‘MiP’ after the initials on the label,” suggests Derek Dornan, manager of Lea & Sandeman in Barnes. “Palest pink in colour, with delicate floral aromas and soft red fruit and peach flavours, it is quite simply the perfect wine for summer picnics.” Bottoms up!
Pick of the picnics
If you don’t have time to make your own, why not pick up a pre-packed picnic and maximise your time outdoors?
The Original Maids of Honour provides a traditional picnic spread that includes dainty tea sandwiches, salads and scones, as well as all the necessary tableware, vintage basket or hamper, and even a cheeky bottle of wine, if required. It’s located next to prime picnicking territory, Kew Gardens.
theoriginalmaidsofhonour.co.uk
The Clapham-based ‘piquey girls’ can whip up a vast selection of tasty gourmet treats for a truly posh picnic, and deliver it to your door. ‘Le Pique-Nique’ contains all the crowd-pleasing favourites whilst ‘The Cupid’ is perfect for two. Food, cutlery, plates, condiments come in a disposable card hamper.
Fortnum & Mason’s adorable ‘Hamperlings’ are the ultimate picnic for one. There’s a veggie option as well as smoked salmon, tuna niçoise and ham hock, but for the poshest picnic in town opt for the Oscietra Caviar – complete with miniature blinis, shredded eggs and decadent chocolates.
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