The London Gourmet Picnic Guide
From packing your hamper to choosing the best spots, our London gourmet picnic guide is all you need to add a little extra posh to your picnic without losing the simple charm of what makes outdoor eating in London a summer must-do.
Where to Get the Perfect London Picnic
Fortnum & Mason: They don’t come cheap, but if you’re looking to elevate your picnic game then the supermarket of the Royal’s is arguably the best place to do it. With a variety of options to suit your picnic style, you can go all out and buy a hamper and the picnic feast to enjoy it with. Just be warned, the classic F&M monogrammed basket is a real envy-creator. Alternatively, head to the food hall at Harrods, where the hampers and the fillings are just as luxurious.
Waitrose or Marks & Spencer: You might not have the same level of luxury as Harrods or Fortnum & Mason, but the variety makes these stores real winners for a London picnic. There is enough choice to keep things simple and everyday-affordable or indulge in something a little fancier. Shopping for your London picnic at either of these is the perfect excuse to go beyond sandwiches and crisps.
Borough Market – Journey across London Bridge to London’s most famous food market to fill your hamper. The market has enough character and variety that you might end up taking a ‘walking picnic’ as you forage your way through the market itself and forget entirely about your park-picnic plans. But for food variety and London atmosphere there’s nowhere like it.
Restaurant Quality – The remarkable fortitude and adaptability of some of London’s best eateries and restaurants has evolved into some offering restaurant quality fine dining ready for at-home, or in our case in-the-park eating. The list of who is offering what continues to change, but has included everyone from Italian experts Artusi to the seafood specialists, the London Shell Co. For guests at The Gate Hotel we’d also strongly recommend considering a picnic with a little spice and exploring some of the famous Indian restaurants on nearby Brick Lane.
Picnic Delivery - You can also opt for ready-made picnic hampers delivered to your door by picnic-specialists like Pique. They’ll prepare and deliver everything from lobster rolls to slow roasted tomatoes and burrata.
The Picnic Packing Guide
Depending on how long you’re staying in London and where you’re visiting from, you’re picnic packing list might vary, but these essentials will help you set the mood and avoid any too-late realisations of what you forgot.
Wicker basket – Yes, a rucksack might be more comfortable, and a tote a lot lighter, but nothing says picnic like a wicker basket.
Cutlery and crockery – Whether you opt for some recyclable options, or make use of something with a longer lifespan, don’t forget plates, glasses, something to cut your cheese with, and a corkscrew or bottle opener.
Napkins – Messy eating with your hands is one of the joys of the picnic, but it’s also nice to have something to clean off with after.
Cool bag – When it gets hot in London, it really pays to be prepared. Keep things cool with a cool bag, ice blocks or some frozen water bottles the night before.
Water – Remembering to pack that bottle of bubbly is one thing, but staying fresh and hydrated calls for some cold water.
Sunscreen – Keep skin safe and don’t live to regret the sunburn that evening.
Music – It’s best not to try and recreate your own Glasto’ levels of music, but many parks allow music to be played (providing it doesn’t disturb other park-goers). So, if you like, bring along your Bluetooth speaker with a summer playlist.
Blanket - Lying on the grass can lose its appeal when you try and remove grass stains from your summer-whites. Bring a blanket big enough to share and make use of it for a little sunshine snoozing after.
Dress for the occasion – Dress up like you’re heading to a fancy garden party or lean into the lazy weather and opt for flip-flops and your favourite summer shirt, just remember that finding the best spots in the bigger parks might mean a little extra walking, so it pays to be comfy.
Recycle – It’s a no-brainer that it is the right thing to not leave a mess, but also to do your best to recycle what you can. A little extra planning can help leave the park as pretty as a picture and leave you feeling good.
Foodie Essentials
Classically British Nibbles – Picnic on some favourites that are as nostalgic as they are quintessential with Scotch Eggs, sausage rolls and egg sandwiches all deserving honourable mentions. Pair with a light cider or a Pimm’s and lemonade and finish with petit fours.
A Taste of The Med – The flavours of the Amalfi coast and Cote d’Azur are brought to life with crusty fresh bread designed for tearing, olives, charcuterie, plenty of cheeses and a glass of crisp white or rosé.
Best London Picnic Spots
St Dunstan in the East – (20 mins walk from The Gate) You might not have heard of it, and it’s almost unbelievably located in the heart of the City of London, but for a picnic that swaps the large lawns of the Royal Parks for an elegant public garden inside a Blitz damaged church, this is a favourite for those in the know. Other smaller spots with a sense of history include Soho Square with it’s pretty Tudor buildings and Finsbury Circus with its shady big trees.
St James’s Park - (30 mins on public transport from The Gate) In the heart of Westminster, and so close to Buckingham Palace it almost feels like you’re in the Queen’s garden St James’s Park is a favourite of the royal parks for picnics.
Hyde Park - (30 mins on public transport from The Gate) An obvious choice, and with good reason. It’s big enough to avoid the crowds and has a mix of tree lined lawns and secluded shady spots. Unfold your blanket near the Serpentine for some of the best views.
Hampstead Heath - (45 mins on public transport from The Gate) It takes a little longer to get there, but this London picnic destination is definitely worth the journey. The surrounding neighbourhood, elegant Kenwood House, and the mix of lakes and woodland, green fields and flower gardens give Hampstead Heath a uniquely relaxed charm.
Kew Garden - (1.5 hours on public transport from The Gate) If you’re looking for the prettiest backdrops for your picnic, then Kew has to be on your list. It’s a little too far away for a spontaneous lunch visit if you’re staying at The Gate but make a day of it and plan around the weather. Match the picnic spot to what’s in your hamper, from classic British meadows to Mediterranean gardens, Kew has something for everyone.
Where to Stay
The Gate Hotel in the City of London combines the best of apartment living with amazing hotel amenities. Rooms have plenty of space if the weather means your picnic will end up indoors, there’s fully equipped kitchens to make prepping your picnic extra easy, and there’s even an outdoor terrace that’s perfect for some al fresco dining with the least effort required. From getting food deliveries to your door to the stunning collection of art throughout the building, there’s a lot to love about The Gate.