London's best picnics

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The Lanesborough's £150 picnic in the park includes: Tattinger champagne, gourmet sandwiches, pastries, scones, fresh strawberries... and a butler to wait on you

Mamma mia: Brunello's £40 Italian feast

Michelin munch: prices start at £200 for an Aubergine hamper

On a balmy summer evening you've got two choices - indulging in great food in the stuffy confines of a restaurant or picnicking in a glorious park on distinctly average tucker from the local supermarket deli. But you no longer have to compromise - because now you can enjoy an alfresco gastronomic experience after a host of London restaurants have wised up to the fact that we don't all want to sit indoors on a glorious day. The city's canny chefs are packaging up their food in old-fashioned wicker hampers and sending us into the great outdoors to enjoy a top-drawer feed. The food's fresh, the champagne's cool and there's not a leaky Thermos or ancient Tupperware box in sight.

THE LANESBOROUGH

There a reason why all the A-list celebs adore The Lanesborough: the service, a quality epitomised by its butler picnic. An extravagance best reserved for special occasions, it doesn't come cheap at £150 per person for a champagne afternoon tea or £250 per person for lunch, but, oh, the glamour! A butler sets up and serves your picnic in Hyde Park with rugs, crystal glasses and china, then remains on hand for any other needs. A minimum of 48 hours' notice is needed as the picnics are bespoke and you can choose whatever you fancy, from lobster salad and smoked salmon to strawberries and champagne.
The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, SW1 (020 7259 5599)

BRUNELLO AT THE BAGLIONI

With its Murano glass chandeliers, opulent décor and eye-watering wine list, Brunello Restaurant at the five-star Baglioni Hotel is not a place you'd necessarily-expect to find such a steal of a picnic-Chef Andrea Vercelli has put together three simple Italian picnics, starting at just £40 for two, including pasta salad, breaded veal panini, Italian cheese, fruit, mineral water and a bottle of wine. At that price, you'd struggle to assemble something half as good at the deli. A traditional and deluxe version is available at £65 and £90, respectively. The whole experience is an easy one: the tableware's packed in with your hamper and all you do is return it afterwards. Twentyfour hours' notice is recommended.
Brunello, Baglioni Hotel, 60 Hyde Park Gate, SW7 (020 7368 5900, ask for Timothy Hocks)

AUBERGINE

This long-time Chelsea favourite is definitely onto something with its Michelin star picnic. Aubergine's hampers are created in consultation with a member of the team there to suit your special event, whether it's a party, proposal or thank you present. They'll even recommend a suitable wine to accompany your selection. Prices start at £200, which sounds steep but that includes vintage wine, French cheeses and charcuterie, as well as beautiful platefuls of roast beef, chicken liver parfait and smoked salmon. Forty-eight hours' notice is recommended.
Aubergine, 11 Park Walk, SW10 (020 7352 3449)

CARLUCCIO'S

Carluccio's picnic boxes for two come in three varieties (from £45), all stuffed with delicious bits for picking at, such as balsamic onions, buffalo mozzarella salad, breads, salad, cheese as well as wine and mineral water. Children aren't overlooked - they get their own box (£10 each) with breadsticks, mini-pizza, meatballs and a chocolate sponge for pudding. A limited number of picnics can be picked up at the shops (see carluccios.com) or ordered 24 hours ahead.
carluccios.com

BRASSERIE ROUX

What a life of unimaginable luxury it must be, having somebody to rustle up your picnic and find the best place for unfurling your rug. The picnic concierge at Brasserie Roux will do just that with its chic picnic at St James's Park, just two minutes' walk away. With legendary chef Albert Roux involved, expect canapés, foie gras ballotine, smoked salmon, strawberries with Chantilly cream and a perfectly chilled bottle of Pommery champagne. Picnics cost £120 for two with champagne, or £100 for two with white wine. Call ahead to book and state any dietary requirements.
Brasserie Roux, Sofitel St James, Waterloo Place, SW1 (020 7747 2200)

CLARKE'S

Perfect for ladies who lunch, chef Sally Clarke's classy summer picnic for two (£60) comes neatly packaged in a swish box - or you can opt for a hessian bag if your are lugging it uphill and down dale. The contents reflect Clarke's signature seasonal style, with goodies both healthy (dried fruit and nuts) and indulgent (her infamous dark chocolate truffles spring to mind). Start in style with a half-bottle of champagne and raspberry nectar, followed by smoked fish p‚té and ciabatta, pea and feta tartlet, and finish with buttermilk panna cotta and English strawberries. Or try the bespoke service. If that doesn't take your fancy, how about a whole roast chicken or some spiced lamb calzone? You might even be tempted to throw in an extra bottle of wine from Clarke's selection.
Clarke's, 124 Kensington Church Street, W8
(020 7229 2190)

 

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