Our never failing optimism tells us that it will be a good Summer this year (despite the soggy start to the Spring), and that’s why we’ve set our attentions to Summer fun. Our MV team put forward their favourite suggestions for where to spread your rug and enjoy a picnic in the UK. Here’s our top 5!
LONDON
In front of Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath. With swimming ponds and Golders Hill Park Zoo nearby, it’s a great location for a family day out.
– Michelle, Technical Manager
SOUTH
West Wittering beach in the Summer months is just like being on holiday. Sunshine, a blanket, and a hamper full of your favourite treats is all you need!
- Liz, Founder
SOUTH WEST
Under the big tree and a bit down the hill in Clifton Park, Bristol. It’s slightly tucked away (off the suspension bridge) but worth the walk, as you can see across the whole valley. Pay a visit to the fish and chip shop at Clifton first – the chips are SO good.
– Harri, Junior Buyer
NORTH EAST
Roseberry Topping in Cleveland is beautiful. There’s a bit of a climb to the top but the view is amazing once you’re up there!
It’s so lovely in the summer, and you can also tie it in with the famous ‘Tea on the Topping’ event held every year!
I often go up there in the Winter as well (even though you have to wrap up) – it is so pretty when it snows.
– Heidi, Technical Assistant
SOUTH EAST
Dedham is perfect for a romantic picnic in the English Countryside!
Hire a boat and row downstream to Flatford Mill where you can stop for a picnic along the riverbank, and enjoy homemade buttery scones from the cottage tea rooms – which are too good to be true!
Also, if you are interested in Art and History, there is a workshop dedicated to John Constable’s popular paintings and tours to view work by local artists in the Boat House Gallery.
In the summer everyone takes to the river for some British paddling
– Ashleigh, PR and Marketing Assistant
Our friends at Regency Hampers are offering one lucky MV Magazine reader the chance to win a luxury hamper packed full of a salutary selection of fine wine, superb confectionery and carefully-chosen delicacies all showcased in an upholstered willow basket complete with deluxe picnic accessories for two place settings.
For a chance to WIN, simply tell us what you’ll be packing in your picnic bag this summer – our favourite answer wins! Post your answers to our blog below or email relaxedglamour@mintvelvet.co.uk.
Competition closes 12.07.12. The winner will be contacted by email.
I will be taking my little tuck shop of Parma Violets, Sugar Mice, liquorice shoestrings and Barley Twists…and break all rules about how many I can have.
I will be taking my little tuck shop of Parma Violets, Sugar Mice, liquorice shoestrings and Barley Twists…and break all rules about how many I can have.
I will be taking a nice bottle of chilled Mercer Champagne, Smoke Salmon, Duchy biscuits with a nice mature English Cheddar. A selection of fresh fruit, and of course some mint velvety Chocolates. I will also pack my wonderful husband and as we sit by the Mill at Dedham, we will fall in love with each other all over again.
I will be packing chilled pink champagne and chocolate covered strawberries ready for a pinic at Cliveden next Saturday with my gorgeous boyfriend and friends before we all dance the night away to Abba and Robbie tribute bands!! It’s gonna be fabulous!
PICNICS!!!!! my most favourite meal ever!
I would be raiding the shelves in M&S, and going 80s retro, wee mini sausages (mmmmm) with cocktail sticks of course!), savoury mini eggs, quiche lorraine, black forest gateaux and lots n lots of gorgeous bubbly to wash it all down 
My lovely picnic rug – a present from my gran many years ago; must have some delicious smoked salmon sarnies and egg mayo and cress sarnies; strawberries, raspberries, passionfruit and melon fruit medley; lovely creamy yoghurts; mixed feta,olive and tomato munchies pot; a good selection of naughty tempting cakes; sparkling water; a refreshing bottle of chilled fizz and or a flask of hot tea incase of chillier weather – oh and the all important baby wipes!
x
For my picnic I will be packing: wooden plates, bowls, and other stuff so that I am not throwing out paper plates each time.A lovely rustic rug made by my mother in law and some tasty food as: Smoked salmon, thinly sliced deli meats (summer sausage, salami, turkey), stuffed olives (garlic, blue cheese, feta cheese), smoked oysters, wheat crackers, crusty bread, Olive oil dipping sauces (for the crusty bread), tapenade, cheeses (cheddar, pepperjack, blue cheese, smoked gouda), fruits (apples, pears, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, seedless grapes, seedless cherries, veggies (celery and carrot sticks, cherry or grape tomatoes, radishes, roasted asparagus spears, appropriate condiments (horseradish, mustard, etc.) and of course, a very nice wine et voilà ?
I have great childhood memories of family picnics – they were al fresco feasts. For my own banquets on blankets this summer, I’ll take inspiration from my childhood and pack egg & cress rolls, mini cornish pasties, custard tarts, strawberry tartlets, fresh cherries, crunchy apples and pink lemonade. I’ll also pack a few tubs of blowing bubbles, so I can laze on a blanket while the kids (and the kids at heart!) burn off their picnic by running around chasing cascades of bubbles.
I’ll be packing the family and my picnic and heading to the beautiful and tranquil seaside village of Staiths, in the north east of England. I love sitting in the harbor with crusty bread and cheeses watching the world and boats go by. Here us where I find my peace and is a jewel in England’s crown!
I will be packing a ground shett waterproof some brollies and lots of warm drinks as summ er is not here yet and i want to keep dry and warm on my picnic
Congratulations Ellie! You’ve won! We’ll be contacting you privately to organise your hamper. We hope you enjoy all those delicious treats. MV
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