10 of the Best: Picnic Hampers in LondonBy Alicia Grimshaw
Growing up is realising that a picnic is more than just some tinnies in the park. Yes, we all love a can when it’s sunny, but believe us when we tell you there is a world of picnicking brilliance out there to discover. Whether you’re heading on a hot date, treating some pals or just having a solo park extravaganza, we’ve got you covered with the best hampers in the capital.
1. For an Artisan Hamper: GAIL’s
What: Branded Gail’s tote anyone? The Picnic on the Green Hamper features not only a branded Gail’s tote (snazzy), but a selection of sweet and savoury options, alongside GAIL’s new partner, Wildpress’s unique apple juices. Think beetroot salad, summer greens salad, olive sourdough, baguette, Quicke’s whey butter, a bag of Madeleines, plus loads more.
Price: £57
Where: Order online
2. For a Continental Spread: Melrose and Morgan
What: Melrose and Morgan have launched several picnic hampers for the summer season, and our favourite the ‘Heath & Hill’, named after Melrose & Morgan’s two sites in Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill, is a certified winner. Dig into summer salads, empanadas, seasonal frittatas, smashed avocado, hummus and chocolate Florentines.
Price: From £30 per person
Where: Order here
3. For an Italian-Inspired Picnic: Sette By Scarpetta
What: Fancy Knightsbridge restaurant Sette by Scarpetta has got in on the picnic action with an Italian-inspired feast featuring all the greats – burrata d’anuria, rosemary and parmesan focaccia, cured meat, Italian cheese and a selection of freshly baked Italian cakes.
Price: £95
Where: Order online
4. For a Classic Picnic: Dukeshill
What: Dukeshill are no strangers to the picnic game. In fact, they’ve been banging out luxury summer hampers for over 30 years. The Chetton Picnic Delights Boxan comprises an expertly curated continental-style charcuterie board, alongside a pair of delectable, handmade Scotch Eggs and a luxury smoked salmon pâté, made with traditionally oak smoked salmon, and other gourmet goodies.
Price: £76
Where: Order online
5. For Seasonal Fare: Pique
What: Pique’s high-end picnics are much better than your sad sandwich affairs. The Pique-Nique is packed full of delicious treats: chorizo soft yolk scotch eggs; caramelised onion and thyme sausage rolls; rotisserie corn-fed chicken and romesco sauce; herby new potato salad with lemon, pickled onions and cornichons; and roast vegetable salad with chilli, fennel and tahini dressing.
Price: £60
Where: Order online
6. For a Turkish Picnic: Ruya
What: Designed for sharing, Rüya’s 2022 hamper is filled with an array of tasty things. There’s everything from Turkish cheeses and cold meats to pide bread, smoked aubergine puree and marinated olives. Every picnic hamper also contains a bottle of Turkish sparkling wine (Altın Köpük Brut).
Price: £60 for 2 guests, £120 for 4 guests
Where: Order online
7. For a Cocktail Hamper: The Umbrella Project
What: The team at The Umbrella Project (masterminds behind East London bars, The Sun Tavern and Discount Suit Company) have knocked together the ultimate Garden Picnic cocktail hamper, championing independent and local food and drink producers. Packed full with a carefully curated selection of delights to elevate your picnic game, there’s Prosecco, Rosé, a Strawberry Kir cocktail and two cans of Umbrella London Rhubarb Cider, more than enough for two, plus fine picnic foods.
Price: £90
Where: Order online
Photo credit: Justin DeSouza
8. For Snacky Bits: Provisions
What: Provisions’ much-loved picnic hamper has had a revamped for 2022, and it’s a belter. Full of their best items which come from independent and local producers that Provisions works very closely with, the hamper features variety of refreshing wines, olives, crackers, Marcona almonds, cooked ham, and so much more.
Price: From £35
Where: Order online
9. For a Luxury Hamper: Fortnum & Mason
What: A picnic list without an entry from Fortnum & Mason would just be plain wrong. The Grosvenor Hamper, a best-seller, is chock-a-block with every warming and delicious thing. From chocolate and biscuits to tipples and tea, this wonderful wicker is sure to bring everyone to your yard (thank you Kelis).
Price: £130
Where: Order online
10. For an Afternoon Tea Picnic: Wilds and Co
What: Take afternoon tea to the park thanks to Wild and Co’s hamper. Alongside the sarnie, scone and clotted cream fare, the picnic also includes high-quality disposable glassware, ice packs and the Cool Bag. No need to return. Lovely stuff.
Price: £63
Where: Order online