Originally published on Tuesday, 3rd August 2010

UJ’s Top Hampers

Despite our parks’ infuriating rule against the use of disposable barbeques, there’s still nothing we like more than a little al fresco action on the green. But without a grill to singe the grass with (OK, OK, we get it...) what does a perfect picnic make? UJ’s picked out the best hampers and pre-packed baskets for every budget.

Made in Italy

We love this cute wicker case courtesy of Pizza East, filled with a yellow and white gingham tablecloth, disposable cutlery and the all important Italian treats. Filled with bits and bobs from its on-site deli, you can pick from cured hams and salamis wrapped in crisp brown paper, a wedge of cheese to go with that Sardinian flatbread, grapes, olives, San Pelligrino lemonade and a couple of Amaretti sweets. 

£25

Turning Japanese

If sausage rolls and chunks of cheese feel too heavy for a summer soiree, plump for one of Nobu’s Bento Boxes. With locations close to the main parks, the perfectly packed Salmon Sashimi, Shrimp Salad and Black Cod is topped with a layer of Nobu cut rolls and sushi and finished off with Milk Chocolate and Mango Cake, to make the perfect accompaniment for some light lunchtime lazing about.

£45, £75 with sake. 

Park Life

The Randall may spend most of his time cooking up award-winning cuisine from inside the Intercontinental, but his new range of park-inspired hampers should see you hosting the one of the poshest picnics on the block. Named after Green, Hyde and St James Parks, the Italian inspired ingredients include Panzanella, Prosciutto and Melon, Poached Langoustines, Seared Aberdeen Angus Beef, and Amalfi Lemon Tarts. 

From £32.50 per person.

Quintessentially English

Put your trust in the loving hands of the ladies at Betty Blythe’s tea shop, where hampers are filled with time-honoured treats from classic English cakes and squidgy chocolate brownies to home-made relishes, finger sandwiches and of course – lashings of ginger beer. And if you fancy it, they’ll bring along lawn games, glasses, cutlery and a clean-up crew to the delivery destination of your choice. Enid Blyton never had it so good. 

£10-£300

Luxury lover

Pull out all the stops and shell out for one of The Dorchester’s Executive Chef, Henry Brosi’s, Picnic Hampers. Afternoon Tea comes with Fingers Sandwiches, Home-made Scones, Lemon Cupcakes and Marshmallows, The Dorchester is filled with Smoked Salmon, Chicken Pie, Strawberries and Cream and Petit Fours, whilst you’ll find Caesar Salad, Wraps, Quiche and Lamb Cutlets in the All Seasons. Now you just need to haul it across to Hyde Park. 

From £150

 Budget Blower

More concerned about the cut of your rug than the quality of your brie? For style over snacking substance, check out Basso & Brooke’s limited edition collection of Al Fresco Dining Sets. The bright poppy prints on Globetrotter-style cases are filled with a silk blanket, cushions and a couple of bottles of Turning Leaf wine. Check them out at The Shop at Bluebird. 

From £2,900