In the UK, the moment the temperature hits 15°C and the sun glints off a windowpane, one thing is certain: dinner is moving outside. What’s on the menu? In Spain, it’s tapas. Germany calls it Abendbrot. Greece has meze. Us? We stick with the wonderfully literal picky bits.
Suddenly, every meal turns into a small-plate affair – crisps and dips, crusty bread, a touch of charcuterie, a wedge of quiche, maybe a token salad, all washed down with something cold and preferably alcoholic.
Whether you’re sprawled in the park, dining in the garden, or melting in your third-floor flat while dreaming of a balcony, these are the snacking essentials and alfresco upgrades to keep your summer eating in full swing...
The Picnic Basket 2.0
On first glance, this is ‘just’ a cuter-than-your-average picnic basket – large enough to hold all your snacking essentials, with a chic wicker design to double up as a summer accessory. But, there’s more: lift the wooden lid (which doubles as a chopping board/serving platter) and inside you’ll find that it’s insulated, keeping food and drink chilled while you find the perfect spot to lay down your blanket. Genius. £120, Daylesford
The Anywhere Aperitivo
You’re likely familiar with limoncello, but how about its orange-infused cousin arancello? Try this limited-edition batch from one of our favourite London restaurants, the Italian-inspired Manteca, in collaboration with Vault Aperitivo. This “squash for adults”, is a delicious mix of varieties, including Bouquet de Fleurs and Tarrocco Blood Oranges, infused with rosemary and bay – get a bottle chilled and pack it in your (insulated) picnic basket to sip on as you enjoy the last weeks of summer. (Our tip? It’s also excellent addition to a glass of crisp fizz...) £35, Manteca x Vault Aperitivo
The Insta-Worthy Blanket
A picnic essential, but elevated. This super-soft checked blanket, embroidered with all your favourite picnic snacks, doubles as a throw or impromptu beach mat – and will make for the perfect background for those aesthetic picnic shots. £130, Harriet Says Hi at Maison Flaneur
The Go-To Picnic Menu
Part cookbook, part love letter to the joy of eating outdoors, this offbeat guide from snack connoisseur Max Halley (founder of Max’s Sandwich Shop in North London, no less) is a must for anyone who takes their alfresco snacks seriously. Think: no-rules picnic philosophy with a side of very good sandwich chat. £16.99, Bookshop.org
The Park Hamper
Sourdough, pâté, olives and even Orangina, this hamper has everything you need for a very 2025 picnic. (And it’s as perfect for gifting as it is for grazing in the sunshine.) If you’re a London local, pop into neighbourhood restaurant-deli Lulu’s and pick one of these up to enjoy in Brockwell Park down the road. £40, Lulu’s
The Cool(er) Combo
Caffeine? Check. Cooler bag? Check. What more could you need for a day in the sun? Enter this new collab from Grind and beloved cartoon Peanuts: everyone’s favourite ground coffee, a cafetiere and matching mugs to start your morning out right, plus a handbag-sized canvas cooler to keep chilled snacks on hand for a day outdoors. £79.95, Grind
The Snacking Staples
Inspired by large, family-style Middle Eastern lunches, this bundle brings together artisanal pantry staples – from roasted almonds to serve with drinks to pomegranate dressing to drizzle over salads – ready, to unbox and devour with loved ones! £37.50, Arabica
The Fun Fizz
Made by women winemakers in the Midwest, this Pet-Nat is dry, juicy, and just a little wild – in the best way. It’s an easygoing, fun fizz that’s perfect to crack open before dinner. Try it alongside grilled halloumi, where the salty, smoky flavours meet the wine’s fresh fruit notes for a simple but satisfying match. Best shared with friends and good conversation. $28, American Wine Project
The Portable Wine Cooler
The ultimate outdoor dining dilemma: how do you keep your drinks chilled without lugging around a giant cooler? Enter El Pill, the first product designed in-house by dream New York-based homeware store, Coming Soon, which has been worth the wait. This individual ‘pill’ is a sleek, double-walled steel cooler designed to carry and chill bottle with ease (clock the shoulder strap), keeping it cold for up to five hours. Because your drinks deserve to chill as much as you do. £132, Coming Soon
The BBQ Bundle
Nothing says alfresco dining quite like a BBQ – so why not add a fresh spin to your next gathering? This box offers all the magic of a Dishoom feast, ready to grill at home, with a selection of meats marinated in the Indian restaurant’s signature spices (think lamb chips and chicken tikka – plus vegan sausages for any plant-based guests). From £55, Dishoom
The Cocktail In A Can
The new kid on the seltzer block, Too Easy claims to be the UK’s first “sessionable marg”: tastes like a margarita, but with a lower ABV and in a handly single-serve can. Crisp and citrusy, without the stress of shaking up a cocktail. Keep in the fridge, ready for a sunny day – it’s ideal for those light evenings spent in the park. £3.95, Too Easy at Delli
