Food&drink THE ART OF THE PICNIC We do love a picnic, but the often-fleeting nature of our summer weather means that we’re not always blessed with the luxury of forward planning. Which leaves us with two options: grabbing some pre-packaged sarnies and packets of crisps en route, or calling on the experts to furnish us with a thoughtful feast. No prizes for guessing which we’re opting for this summer. There’s just the question of where exactly to pick up that pre-prepared picnic (it goes without saying that Londoners are spoilt for choice).
THE HAMPSTEAD BUTCHER & PROVIDORE
GERMAN GYMNASIUM By far the trendiest offering this summer comes from German Gymnasium, who have paired up with Wines of Germany. Served in a modern steel hamper complete with wayfarer-style sunglasses for two, there are three varieties to choose from, each designed to highlight a different German wine. Whether you choose the Sekt, the Riesling or the Pinot Noir, you’ll enjoy it with an assortment of German delicacies, savoury and sweet, created by executive chef, Bjoern Wassmuth. Berlin cool right here in London. (From £64 for two, germangymnasium.com)
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POPTAILS We’ve discovered the coolest way to chill out: distinctly grown-up, delectably alcoholic ice pops. Poptails’ Calippo-shaped sorbets are an inviting combination of popsicle and cocktail, made from a delicious blend of fresh fruit and premium alcohol. The Mojito, a mix of rum, strawberry and mint sorbet, wins our vote, but if that doesn’t float your boat, Punch (rum, mango and pineapple) and Limon (limoncello, lemon and coconut) are also available. And because they are free from additives and colouring, fat-free and under 130 calories per lolly, they’re guilt-free, too (well, almost!). £3.99 (poptailsbylapp.co.uk)
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Perfectly placed for the Heath is The Hampstead Butcher and Providore, whose Premium Picnics include the finest cheese and charcuterie, served with freshly baked bread; delicious dips and Grissini bread sticks; roasted veg and salads; with English shortbread and seasonal fruit for pud. Delivered to your picnic area, they come complete with plates, cutlery and condiments. (£22.95 per head, hampsteadbutcher.com)
DUKES HOTEL For a quintessentially British do with all the luxury touches, you won’t find better than Dukes. Their luxurious hampers come accompanied by cushions, blankets, umbrellas, a pop-up gazebo and, better still, a butler to tend to your every whim. Because, really, why would you want to pour the bubbly yourself? (£99 per head, dukeshotel.com)