Your Definitive Guide To The Perfect Luxury Picnic

While this summer is turning out to be a mixed bag of frighteningly scorching temperatures and sudden downpours, the fact remains that there’s nothing better than a jolly good picnic.

When your weather app promises clement weather, embrace the sunny days and balmy evenings by heading outdoors in search of a patch of grass and settle in with your picnic basket and and rug, strawberries, Champagne and nibbles for a proper British picnic.

Whether you prefer your picnic fully catered in luxury style by Harvey Nichols, or would rather pull it together yourself from the artisanal food merchants on Pavilion Road, here’s how to picnic in true style…

THE LUXURY PICNIC HAMPER
From: Harvey Nichols, 2-5, Duke of York Square, SW3 4LY

THE ARTISANAL BREAD
From: Bread Ahead, 249 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP

THE CHEESE BOARD
Washed-rind Langres, sheep’s milk Ossau Iraty and Roquefort – prices vary
From: London Cheesemongers, 249 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP

THE POSH CRACKERS
Peter’s Yard Crispbreads, £2.95
From: The Chelsea General Store, 172 Pavilion Rd, SW1X 0AW

THE REFRESHMENTS
Choose from a selection of fines wines, expertly chosen by Pavilion Wine’s team
From: Pavilion Wine, 255 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP

THE FRESH FRUIT
From: Natoora, 245 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP

THE VIRTUOUS SALAD BOX
From: Raw Press, 3 Ellis St, SW1X 9AL

THE ULTIMATE PICNIC RUG
Escapade wool rug, £680
From: Hermès, 1 Cadogan Place, SW1X 9PX

THE KITTED-OUT PICNIC BASKET
Croft Collection four-person luxury wicker picnic hamper, £175
FROM: Peter Jones, Sloane Square, SW1W 8EL

THE VIP PICNIC
Guests at Jumeirah Carlton Tower can order a picnic prepared by the hotel’s chefs, including classics like Victoria Sponge and smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, and have it delivered (and collected) from nearby Hyde Park. And, to mark the 200th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s birth, the hotel has partnered with Tally Ho Experiences to bring guests a taste of Victorian life with a unique Penny Farthing cycling experience that includes a picnic.
Picnics £40 per person; hamper delivery and collection, £30.
From: Jumeirah Carlton Tower, 1 Cadogan Place, SW1X 9PY