We can now have picnics in the park – yay! While it might still feel slightly arctic outside, spring is certainly on its way and we’ll take this tiny amount of freedom we’ve been given to soak up the minute sun and chilly weather if it’s the only way we can be anywhere other than our tiny apartments. And what comes with all great picnics? A hamper full of food of course.
Wave goodbye to the Tesco meal deal and indulge in one of London’s finest hampers. From Fortnum & Mason’s delectable selection to the charcuterie filled hamper from Panzer’s, here are the best hampers to order in and take to your local park this weekend. If the weather doesn’t hold out, you can still enjoy these at your indoor picnic.
Throw down a blanket and enjoy your indoor or park picnic with one of these sensational hampers.
Of course, please follow the guidance and ensure you are sticking to the lockdown restrictions if you do decide to head out for a picnic.
Fortnum & Mason
The royals of the hamper world, Fortnum & Mason certainly had to make their way onto this list thanks to their bountiful selection of enticing hampers from their London branches, including The Royal Exchange. They have a hamper for every occasion, from celebrations to Easter holidays, but we’ve hand picked our favourite three below for the picnic.
From the mid-afternoon tea hamper, perfect for those who want to take a flask to the park or want to enjoy this as an indoors picnic special, to the fit for your queen hamper, filled with special morning treats designed for Mothering Sunday, there’s something for everyone. For a bit of everything, try the Fortnum’s Foodhall Hamper, it’s stocked with all of their famous luxury items from their food halls, from fresh meats and cheeses to biscuits and chocolates.
Harrods
Pulling out all of the stops as always is Harrods and their selection of luxury picnic hampers that you’d be foolish not to try.
No picnic is complete without a bottle of fizz and how better to celebrate your reunion, albeit rather differently, than raising a glass to one another for managing to get through the strictest lockdown regulations for the third time? We love Harrods’ Champagne Duo Celebration Hamper for these reasons, filled with a choice of Harrods’ Premier Cru Grande Réserve and Rosé Finé Champagne.
For some sweet treats, try Cartwright & Butler’s Helmsley hamper, filled with quintessential British classics including cheese flatbreads, biscuits, sherbet sweets and English breakfast tea. Just remember to bring a flask or two of boiling water and you’ll be sorted for the afternoon.
John Lewis
While we might not be able to go out and enjoy a classic afternoon tea experience at one of London’s leading hotels and restaurants, we can recreate the luxury afternoon specialty at home with a little help from John Lewis’s elegant afternoon tea treats hamper. You’ll find the hamper laden with pink-themed treats, including Bristows of Devon Prosecco Flavour Bonbons, Belvoir Fruit Farms Elderflower & Rose Pressé, Elizabeth Shaw Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Biscuits and Gold Crown 5.5″” Round Chocolate Cake. Definitely one for those who love the sweet section of afternoon tea.
For something more picnicky, try the Country Picnic Hamper. Inside the wicker basket, expect to find Silver & Green Piri Piri Stuffed Olives in Pouch, Brown Bag Crisps Oak Smoked Chilli, Radfords The Sugar Mill Butter Tablet Sharing Bag, Cottage Delight Chorizo, Pork & Onion Pate and a bottle of Château Tour De Perrigal. Plus a couple of ales too.
Godiva Chocolates
One for the chocoholics…
Those looking to get their sweet hit satisfied will happily devour Godiva Chocolates’ selection of tempting hampers. From their chocolate lover hamper, bursting with rich truffles, 85% dark chocolate, buttery biscuits and Gold Discovery assortments, to their coffee break hamper, perfect for the coffee lover in your life, filled with caramel coffee, dark truffles and milk chocolate biscuits.
Harvey Nichols
Had a holiday booked to Italy but can no longer soiree your spring away? Let Harvey Nichols bring a slice of the Mediterranean to you with their premium Italian collection hamper. Built around the phrase ‘Mangia bene, ridi spesso, ama molto’, meaning eat well, laugh often, love much, the hamper is overflowing with the perfect kit for an Italian afternoon of wining and dining. Expect bubbling Prosecco, salsa truffina, bruschetta di peperoni and fine extra virgin olive oil.
For a hearty hamper, try the daddy of all hampers, aptly named The Daddy Hamper. It’s complete with a rich red Shiraz, IPA, nuts, chocolates, pickles and coffee. Yum.
Panzer’s
London’s original Jewish deli, Panzer’s has become renowned for their glorious hampers. Grab them while you can and treat yourself to one of their specially curated picnic hampers. Try their classic picnic hamper, full of challah bread rolls, potato salad, crudité and houmous, cauliflower and tahini salad and chocolate brownies, or go deluxe and add on a charcuterie selection.
Or, if you want to make up your own special hamper, why not create the ultimate picnic experience at home, picking out your favourite snacks and buffet staples from their wide selection.
The De Beauvoir Deli
On a mission to fuel N1 dwellers with only the finest artisan groceries is The De Beauvoir Deli, your go-to spot for quick lunches, fresh produce and excellent customer service. The deli also has a bountiful selection of hampers too, including The Smorgasbord.
Available on pre-order, the hamper is abrim with everything from chicken liver pate to charcuterie, Comte to sourdough. Not forgetting your picnic trip to the park will be upscaled with a bottle of Prosecco helping you celebrate the summer season in style.
