When the weather allows, a picnic is one of summers simple pleasures and you don’t need to head to the countryside to achieve the perfect picnic. From the best picnic foods to outdoor blankets, tableware and beautiful green spaces, we’ve got everything you need right here on Oxford Street.
Picnic in the park
Let’s start with the perfect setting for your picnic, shall we? You may or may not know it, but Oxford Street is home to many beautiful parks and spaces. If it’s a traditional picnic you’re after, then a classic green park is the right choice for you. The most well known, of course, is Hyde Park, where you can lay a blanket in one corner of the 350 acres of land, and then meander down to the Diana Memorial Fountain, the Serpentine Lake or Speakers’ Corner.
For something a little smaller, try Hanover Square and its lovely circular garden, or Soho Square. If you prefer your gardens more classical and manicured, we recommend the historical Grosvenor Square in Mayfair (it has statues of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan) or Brown Hart Gardens, a Grade II listed terraced garden featuring a water feature and beautiful stone seats – ideal if you’ve forgotten your picnic blanket!
Picnic accessories
You can’t have a picnic without the accessories that will elevate your entire meal. Of course, we’ve got all the basics in our homeware stores on Oxford Street, but there’s nothing boring about them. From colourful picnic blankets to joyful plates, glasses and hampers, here’s everything you’ll want to add to your shopping list.
Picnic food
Of course, it wouldn’t be a picnic without delicious picnic food, and of that we have plenty on Oxford Street. Head straight to the fresh food aisles and food halls at Selfridges and Marks & Spencer for all the classics, including sandwiches, crisps, fresh fruit and puddings. Or, if you want different picnic food ideas, you can order food to eat out at the likes of Market Halls (think street food from around the world), Wasabi (sushi), Benugo (sandwiches and salads), Huffkins (sandwiches and cakes) and Lena Lu (doughnuts). Alternatively, plan ahead and order yourself a food hamper you can take with you on the day.
Picnic drinks
What goes hand in hand with fantastic food? A delicious drink of course! Whether you’re into booze or soft drinks, you’ll be spoiled for choice. We love this summer-inspired cold brew by Whittard, classic ale selection from John Lewis, Provence wine from Selfridges and champagne half bottles from M&S.
Summer fashion
Finally, a cheerful summer outfit to round off the perfect picnic experience. Naturally, you can’t go wrong with a gorgeous summer dress, preferably linen since it’s more breathable in the heat. Other fashion essentials: sandals, sunglasses, a hat, and if you’re picnicking in Hyde Park, you’re also allowed to splash in the Lake and sunbathe, so pack a swimsuit too, which you can pair with shorts.
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