Trend Watch
Trend Watch Picnic Baskets DO YOU DREAM OF PICNICKING in style perhaps nibbling on perfectly cut sandwiches while sipping a glass of fine wine? So why is it that as soon as the summer sun beckons us to the Great Outdoors, we head straight to the supermarket and stock up on dips, pre-packed sandwiches and [...]
Trend Watch
Picnic Baskets
DO YOU DREAM OF PICNICKING in style perhaps nibbling on perfectly cut sandwiches while sipping a glass of fine wine? So why is it that as soon as the summer sun beckons us to the Great Outdoors, we head straight to the supermarket and stock up on dips, pre-packed sandwiches and a packet of crisps? Until now, having a prepared picnic was expensive and exclusive, but this summer there is a trend towards the affordable, perfect picnic. From gourmet hampers to Indian take-away, read on and discover a selection of ways to have a grand day out so get stuck in.
PERFECT PACKAGE For the gourmet option, Harrods (www.harrods.com) in London has launched an exclusive range of picnic hampers, named after parks around the capital, such as The Hyde and The St James’s (from £27.95). Each basket has a starter, main course and pudding, bread and butter on the side and drinks too including half a bottle of wine. It’s all packed in a cool bag, along with cutlery and wine glasses. Salt and pepper is also provided, so you can season to taste perfectly.
EASTERN DELIGHTS Spice up your life with the ultimate Indian take-away. Voujon (+44 (0)131 667 5046) in Edinburgh is reviving a piece of history this summer, by offering tiffin boxes that you can take away for a picnic. These have been used in India for centuries; lunches are prepared for working Indian men by their wives, and forwarded to them by "Dabbawalas". Voujon’s three-tiered steel boxes contain a starter, curry, dhal, nan bread, Indian desserts and a cold Cobra beer (£17.95 per box).
LOFTY LOAF Put down that corner shop baguette and get yourself a seriously good loaf. With outlets throughout London, the French baker Paul (www.paul-uk.com) has created the ultimate sandwich to share. His Pain Surprise (from £11.50) is a hollowed-out loaf that is then filled with little sandwiches. You can choose Emmental cheese, ham, salami or smoked salmon just add a glass of wine and friends.
