With sunny weather set to return this weekend, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the slight easing of lockdown yesterday with a picnic.
You might be sticking to your garden, lounging on your balcony, or even sitting in the park for a romantic date, since now we’re allowed to mix — at a safe distance — with one person from another home.
Whether it’s a family meal al fresco or the first time you’ve seen your partner since lockdown, do it in style (in England at least) with a fabulous pre-packed picnic hamper, delivered to your door. We picked six of the best hampers for every type of picnic…
IT’S TIME FOR TEA
Afternoon G&T Hamper, £69.95, formanandfield.com
Angela Epstein gives her verdict on a selection of the best hampers ahead of the sunny weather set to return this weekend. Pictured: Afternoon G&T Hamper, £69.95
Who for? Those of us who miss a G&T and slice of cake with the girls.
What’s in it? Fresh scones, Forman & Field strawberry jam, macarons, a trio of mini cakes, Artisan du Chocolat salted caramel minis and damson gin.
Verdict: This afternoon tea for two works out at nearly £35 per head — without waitress service, freshly laundered table cloths or the ritzy hotel. However, it’s top-quality food, and a good opportunity to dress up. The scones are delicious. 4/5
AL FRESCO ARTISANS
Picnic Hamper, £40, dartsfarm.co.uk
Angela said Picnic Hamper (pictured) is a gourmet’s dream and perfect for a foodie who wants to impress their date
Who for? A foodie who wants to impress their date.
What’s in it? A selection of artisan foods for two from independent food companies, including Milanese salami, sourdough bread, sea salt praline truffles and British cheeses such as Quicke’s Cheddar and Cornish Blue. Wash it down with Luscombe Sicilian Lemonade.
Verdict: This hamper is a gourmet’s dream, yet good value for money. There’s also an option to add pink English fizz. 5/5
INDULGE YOUR LOVE
Weekend Brunch, £50, piquefood.co.uk
Angela recommends this Weekend Brunch hamper (pictured) for anyone who loves a lie-in for two, but warns it’s only available in London
Who for? Anyone who loves a lie-in for two…
What’s in it? A selection of indulgent choices for brunch. Sweet treats include blueberry pancakes with maple syrup, pains au chocolat and pains au raisin, while savoury offerings include ham and gruyere-filled croissants and courgette and feta frittata. The hamper also comes with a choice of iced drink. Praline latte anyone?
READ RELATED: Heated debate erupts on social media over what the perfect boiled eggs looks like
Verdict: Really scrumptious, but not one for last-minute picnickers, as it takes 48 hours to hand make and prepare the food. Only available in London, so check the website before ordering. Picnics are packaged in disposable card hampers but you can upgrade to a traditional wicker basket. 4/5
PUSH THE BOAT OUT
Champagne Celebration Picnic Hamper, £250, britishhamper.com
Angela recommends Champagne Celebration Picnic Hamper (pictured) for anyone who is celebrating a big event in lockdown
Who for? Anyone celebrating a big event in lockdown.
What’s in it? British snacks including an award-winning potted Blue Stilton from Cropwell Bishop, chocolate truffles from Piccadilly’s Prestat, cake from Shropshire, fine wines and Taittinger champagne. Could it get any better?
Verdict: Posh wine, cheese, nibbles and cake in a lovely wicker basket. As it’s seriously expensive, this is really one to save for major milestones. 3/5
WINE AND SNACKS
Vegan Picnic Hamper, £59, vorrei.co.uk
Angela said Vegan Picnic Hamper (pictured) is more like a collection of healthy snacks, rather than a whole picnic
Who for? Healthy food fans who long for treats.
What’s in it? Organic rosé from Sicily, Sardinian carasau flatbread, Sicilian green cracked olives in olive oil, and taralli crackers from Puglia.
Verdict: It looks pretty since all the products are wrapped and presented in a strong box with a handle, which is hand-tied with a pretty ribbon. But this is more like a collection of healthy snacks, as there’s not enough substance here to make a whole picnic itself. 2/5
LOCH-DOWN LUXURY
The Scottish Loch Tartan Fitted Picnic Hamper, £93.50, hampers.co.uk
Angela claims The Scottish Loch Tartan Fitted Picnic Hamper (pictured) sets the scene for a truly Scottish experience
Who for? Anyone who wants to pretend they are languishing in the heather by a sparkling loch.
Whats in it? Loch Lomond smoked salmon and smoked trout pate, Scottish Highland venison cured with green peppercorn and shortbread oatcakes. The hamper is also fitted with plates, cutlery and cups.
Verdict: The tartan-lined basket really sets the scene for a truly Scottish experience with lots of tasty, locally sourced products for two. And, of course, you then have a rather lovely basket to reuse when lockdown finally lifts. 5/5
Source: Food Recipes and News
