It is National Picnic Week and come rain or shine we have some top tips to ensure you have an enjoyable picnic!

Pick the Perfect Location

Living in the midlands means we have access to lots of lovely picnic spots! Many hidden gems have been discovered during lock down that are right on your doorstep, and just a stone throw away you will find Clent Hills and the Lickey Hills. Whether you decide to stay local or travel further afield, we are sure you will have a very enjoyable time.

Keep It Cold

We recommend using a backpack cool bag as these are easier to carry when walking or climbing to your picnic spot. You can also freeze bottles of water to use as ice packs and when you are ready to have your picnic, they will have melted into an ice-cold drink.

Nibble and Graze

Part of the fun of a picnic is having many different treats to nibble on that you wouldn’t normally eat at the same time. Our deli counter is filled full of picnic treats including pork pies, sausage rolls, Deli meats, local cheeses, scotch eggs and much more. Don’t forget to visit our Bakery counter for your fresh bread and delicious sweet treats!

Wrap It Up

There are some fantastic companies now that sell natural reusable beeswax food coverings. These are perfect for wrapping your picnic food in, but as an alternative baking parchment can be used which is better for the environment than previously used cling film.

Keep the Bugs at Bay

Here are a couple of ideas to help keep the unwanted bugs at bay!

• Serve drinks in covered jars or reusable water bottles
• Place a cupcake case over the top of your glass or can
• Use a mesh food cover over your picnic spread
• Keep the sweet treats contained until you are ready to enjoy

Fun & Games

Whether it’s a family picnic or a romantic meal for two to, you can plan some activities to make your picnic even more enjoyable. Many games can be played with a pack of cards. Or to burn off those pork pies have a kick about with a ball.

Tidy Up

Keep our countryside clean and tidy and be sure to take your rubbish with you when you leave.

Plan B

If the British weather gets the better of us, don’t worry! An indoor picnic can be lots of fun! Spread a picnic rug on the carpet, put on your favourite music and pour a glass of fizz.

Take a look at the official National Picnic Week web page here for more picnic ideas.